Bleeding gums are annoying. Beyond that, though, they are also a sign that something is wrong. While gums may bleed here and there, your gums shouldn’t be bleeding regularly. If this is the case, there may be a problem that needs to be addressed.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
There are a few different causes for bleeding gums. Sometimes, your gums start bleeding because you brushed or flossed too aggressively. This can be easily remedied by being gentler and possibly buying a new toothbrush with softer bristles. Other times, you may be eating the wrong foods, or not enough of the right ones. Finally, you may not be taking proper care of your oral health. If this is the case, an intervention from a dentist may be necessary to stop the bleeding.
How Do I Get My Gums to Stop Bleeding?
There are a few things that you can try at home to get your gums to stop bleeding or prevent them from bleeding to begin with. These include:
- Taking proper care of your oral health. There’s a good chance that—if your gums are bleeding regularly—you aren’t taking good care of your oral health. This means brushing, flossing, and rinsing twice a day, every day. Not taking proper care of your oral health can lead to gum disease, which can cause your gums to bleed. To avoid this, make sure to take good care of your teeth and gums, and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
- Stopping smoking! Smoking can lead to a variety of health issues, and it affects the health of your gums. To improve your gum health and overall health, stop smoking!
- Increasing your vitamin intake. If you are not getting enough vitamins (particularly C and K), it can lead to a vitamin deficiency. This deficiency can, in turn, cause your gums to bleed. Make sure you are getting plenty of vitamins in your diet.
- Rinsing your mouth with salt water and/or hydrogen peroxide. As a short-term solution, rinsing out your mouth with salt water and/or hydrogen peroxide can help to eliminate the bacteria that leads to gum bleeding and disease. This can be done on top of your regular oral health routine.
- Relaxing. Stress actually has an effect on not only your mind, but also your immune system. A strong immune system is needed to keep your gums healthy. Try different relaxation methods to help with your gum bleeding.
- Decreasing your carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrates and sugar can lead to a buildup of plaque on your teeth. Over time, this will lead to gum disease. Cut back on the carbs and sugar to cut back on plaque.
Set an Appointment with Your Dentist
If you find that your gums are bleeding regularly, you’ll want to set an appointment with your dentist for them to check your gums for gingivitis. Call your dentist’s office today and get an appointment in the books to stop your gums from bleeding.