Overly aggressive brushing or flossing, an accidental injury to your mouth, a pregnancy, or inflammation from an infection will all cause bleeding gums. Gum swelling and inflammation are evident with a change in tissue color, going from a healthy pink to a darker red, and also increased sensitivity. Most often, this is a sign of periodontal disease, like gingivitis or periodontitis. Gum disease is the immediate result of plaque and tartar accumulating on your teeth.
Identifying the specific source of your bleeding gums is extremely important in choosing the proper treatment. After your dentist has identified the source, like gum disease versus pregnancy, you and your dentist will then proceed with the appropriate treatment to stop gum bleeding.
Several Methods to Stop Bleeding Gums
Schedule an appointment to see your dental team if your gums do not stop bleeding within a couple of days. You might simply need professional teeth cleaning to remove the accumulation of damaging plaque and tartar. Your dentist might also add lab work to confirm any other potential causes of your gum bleeding. Here are a few techniques for you to exercise at home:
- Practice Appropriate Oral Hygiene- Bleeding gums can easily be a sign of poor dental self-hygiene at home. Gums will bleed and become inflamed when there is an increase in plaque buildup. Plaque is a clear, sticky film containing harmful bacteria that clings to your teeth. To exercise good oral hygiene quite simply, just patiently brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and floss daily to remove the daily buildup.
- Reduce Your Stress Level- Research has proven there is a link between periodontal disease and emotional stress. It has been proven that your emotional stress will have a negative impact on your immune system. This impact will weaken your body’s defenses to properly combat any gum infection.
- Increase Your Vitamin C- Vitamin C supports and strengthens your immune system to help ward off gum infections and bleeding gums.
- Increase Your Vitamin K- A vitamin K supplement will also help to avoid bleeding gums. Vitamin K is an important nutrient for your immune system by helping with blood clotting.
- Apply a Cold Compress- Gum disease is not the only source of bleeding gums. Your gums could be bleeding from an injury to your mouth. Applying a cold compress will reduce the swelling and also help stop the bleeding.
- Rinse with Salt Water- Excessive bacteria in your mouth can lead to gum disease. Rinsing with warm salt water reduces excessive bacteria and can also help stop gum bleeding.
- Rinse with Hydrogen Peroxide- You might consider using hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant. It will remove plaque, promote healthier gums, and even stop bleeding gums.
- Eat Fewer Carbs- Minimizing your consumption of carbohydrates will also improve your gum health and help prevent gum disease. Carbohydrates and sugary foods both promote and accelerate plaque.
- Stop Smoking- Smoking is linked to gum disease, as well as increasing your risk of lung cancer, heart disease, or a stroke. Smoking is actually a primary cause of severe gum disease, according to the CDC, or Centers for Disease Control. Smoking hinders your body’s natural immune system, making it considerably challenging to fend off plaque bacteria. This then leads to gum disease.