What Causes Bleeding Gums?
There are a number of various causes for bleeding gums, but the primary cause is gum disease. If you look at yourself in the mirror and can see that your gums are either swollen or changing in color from a natural pink to a deeper red, you should pay attention to the condition of your gums. You might also see a red tint on your toothbrush or even blood in the sink after brushing or flossing your teeth. There are a few remedies you can attempt at home to address your bleeding gums, but if they persist for more than a week it is time to contact your dentist and schedule an appointment for an evaluation. At this point it is quite possible you have some level of gum disease. To combat the gum disease and reverse it, you will need the professional assistance of your dentist.
At Home Remedies to Address Bleeding Gums
Here are a few suggested remedies to stop your gums from bleeding:
- Using a damp gauze pad.
- Rinsing your mouth with salt water to combat excessive bacteria.
- Applying a cold compress to slow down the blood flow and reduce swelling.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate bacteria.
- Confirming you are using a soft bristle toothbrush; a stiff brush can irritate the tissue.
- Flossing gently every day; aggressive flossing can also cause irritation.
- Avoid smoking because smoking has a direct connection to gum disease.
- Steering away from processed foods which promote plaque buildup.
The Causes for Bleeding Gums
There are a variety of reasons your gums could be bleeding, with the primary cause being that of gum disease. Here is a list of some other suggested causes:
- By not brushing your teeth at least twice a day you are allowing plaque to buildup on your teeth.
- Using a toothbrush that is too stiff or hard will irritate the gums, as will brushing too aggressively as well.
- A worn-out toothbrush will no longer remove the plaque effectively.
- Using dental floss aggressively, instead of gently pushing it and hugging the sides of each tooth.
- Taking certain medicines, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinners, will accelerate gum bleeding.
- Hormonal change from a pregnancy.
- A vitamin C or K deficiency.
- Having poor eating habits.
- Dealing with diabetes.
- The lack of clotting cells, or platelets.
- Dentures that fit poorly.
- Having gingivitis, or the first stage of gum disease.
Professional Treatment for Bleeding Gums
The easiest way to address your bleeding gums is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. A thorough examination with x-rays will identify the cause. In many situations, it will be gum disease. It is a common ailment. Over half of all American adults over the age of thirty have some level of gum disease.
If gum disease is the cause, your dentist will proceed with a professional teeth cleaning. This is a simple method to remove all the damaging plaque from your teeth with either a handheld scaler or a vibrating ultrasonic device. The plaque contains bacteria that immediately infects the gums when it comes in contact. By removing the source of the infection, the gums will quickly heal on their own, or an antibiotic may also be prescribed.