Brushing or flossing aggressively, an injury to your mouth, pregnancy, or an inflammation from an infection will all cause bleeding gums. Gum inflammation and swelling are apparent with a change in tissue color from a healthy pink to a darker red and an increase in sensitivity. Most often, it is a sign of periodontal disease, like gingivitis or periodontitis. Gum disease is the immediate and direct result of plaque and tartar accumulating on your teeth.
Identifying the specific cause of your bleeding gums is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment. Once your dentist confirms the source, like gum disease versus pregnancy, you and your dentist will begin pertinent treatment to stop the gum bleeding.
Several Methods to Stop Bleeding Gums
Make an appointment to see your dentist if your gums do not stop bleeding within a few days. You might just need a professional teeth cleaning to get rid of the buildup of harmful plaque and tartar. Your dentist can also order lab work to identify any other sources of your gum bleeding. Here are some techniques for you to consider exercising:
- Practice Appropriate Oral Hygiene- Bleeding gums are usually a sign of poor dental self-hygiene at home. Gums often bleed and become inflamed when there is an increased plaque accumulation. Plaque is a clear, sticky film containing bacteria that remains on your teeth daily. To simply exercise good oral hygiene, brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing daily, will help to stay ahead of the daily buildup.
- Reduce Your Stress Level- Research studies have proven that there is a direct link between periodontal disease and emotional stress. Research has also shown that your emotional stress has a negative impact on your immune system. This impact will weaken your body’s defenses to properly fight a gum infection.
- Increase Your Vitamin C- Vitamin C strengthens your immune system and helps fight off the gum infection, causing your bleeding gums.
- Increase Your Vitamin K- A vitamin K supplement will help you avoid bleeding gums. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient for your immune system, contributing to blood clotting.
- Apply a Cold Compress- Gum disease is not the sole source of bleeding gums. Your gums can bleed from an injury to your mouth. Applying a cold compress will reduce the swelling and reduce the blood flow to stop the bleeding.
- Rinse With Salt Water- Excessive bacteria in your mouth often result in gum disease. Rinsing with warm salt water will reduce unwanted bacteria and help stop gum bleeding.
- Rinse with Hydrogen Peroxide- You can use hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant. It can remove plaque, promote healthier gums, and even stop bleeding gums.
- Eat Fewer Carbs- Reducing your intake of carbohydrates will also improve your gum health and prevent gum disease. Both carbohydrates and sugary foods accelerate plaque.
- Stop Smoking- Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke, and smoking is linked to gum disease. Smoking is a leading cause of severe gum disease, according to the CDC, or Centers for Disease Control. Smoking reduces your body’s natural immune system, making it more challenging to ward off plaque bacteria. This easily leads to gum disease.
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