How to Get My Gums to Stop Bleeding
If your gums begin to bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, you might not be overly concerned. But bleeding from your gums can be an indication of an underlying problem.
Brushing your teeth too aggressively, an injury, a pregnancy, or an inflammation from infection can all contribute to bleeding gums. Gum inflammation and swelling will result in a change in color from a healthy pink to red, increased tenderness, and it can be a sign of periodontal disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Gum disease occurs when you allow plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth.
Identifying the source of your bleeding gums is essential to determining the appropriate treatment. Once you determine the cause, such as a pregnancy versus gum disease, you can then choose the proper treatment to stop the bleeding.
Several Methods to Stop Bleeding Gums
Make an appointment to see your dentist if gum bleeding does not stop within seven to ten days. You might just need a deep dental cleaning to remove the plaque and tartar and promote gum healing. Your dentist can also order lab work to check for deficiencies that could be causing your gum bleeding.
- Practice proper oral hygiene- Bleeding gums are often a sign of poor dental hygiene. Gums become inflamed and bleed when there is an increase of plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria that covers your teeth. To improve your oral hygiene, brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once a day to remove the daily buildup of plaque.
- Apply a cold compress- Bleeding gums are not always from gum disease. Your gums may bleed from an injury. A cold compress will reduce swelling and restrict the blood flow to stop bleeding.
- Rinse with salt water- Bacteria in your mouth can cause gum disease. Rinsing with a mixture of warm salt water can also reduce bacteria and stop gum bleeding.
- Rinse with hydrogen peroxide- You might use hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant. It also removes plaque, promotes gum health, and stops gum bleeding.
- Reduce your stress level- Research suggests a link between periodontal disease and emotional stress. According to the studies, emotional stress has a negative impact on your immune system. This can result in the weakening of your body’s defenses to the point where it cannot fight a gum infection.
- Increase your vitamin C- Vitamin C can strengthen your immune system and help to fight off the gum infection that causes bleeding gums. Conversely, not getting enough vitamin C in might worsen bleeding if you have gum disease.
- Increase your vitamin K- A vitamin K supplement can also alleviate bleeding gums. Vitamin K is an important nutrient because it will help your blood clot.
- Eat fewer carbs- Reducing your carbohydrate intake will also improve gum health and prevent gum disease. Carbohydrates and sugary foods promote plaque and bacteria.
- Stop smoking- In addition to increasing the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke, smoking is linked to gum disease. Smoking is a major cause of severe gum disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Smoking will lower your body’s immune system, making it difficult for your body to fight off plaque bacteria. This leads to gum disease.