Do you experience gum bleeding? If it is rarely an occurrence, there’s no need to worry, but if the bleeding becomes frequent, then you should not take it for granted and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Frequent gum bleeding is a sign of a problem and you will need to find out the cause. Taking action before it becomes an advanced gum disease issue is essential. Based on some studies, severe gum disease affects people with other health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
Causes of Frequent Gum Bleeding
To know the treatment, you must first know why your gums bleed, and these are the common causes:
- Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia
- Dentures that don’t fit properly
- Gingivitis or gum inflammation
- Harmful plaque, tartar, and bacteria build up on your gum line
- Hormonal changes
- Improper use of dental floss
- Insufficient or improper brushing of teeth
- Periodontitis or severe gum disease
- Taking medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen
- Damage to the gum tissue not caused by gum disease
- Use of blood thinners
- Using a hard-bristled or worn-out toothbrush
- Vitamin C and K deficiency.
Treatments for Bleeding Gums
These are the various ways to treat or prevent your gums from bleeding, depending on the cause. Here are a few for your consideration.
Short-Term or Emergency Treatment Suggestions
Put Ice on the Affected Area
Put a cold compress, ice cube, or ice pack against the bleeding gums to soothe the swelling and regulate blood flow to stop the bleeding, but consult a doctor if the bleeding continues.
Rinse Your Mouth with Warm Saltwater
Wash your mouth several times by gargling a glass of warm water with half a teaspoon of salt. This is to help lessen the bacteria and stop the gum bleeding.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
This kind of mouthwash contains chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide that can heal and prevent gums from bleeding. They both can kill bacteria, lessen inflammation, and prevent the onset of gingivitis, which causes gum bleeding.
Please take note that if your bleeding gums don’t stop after a few days, see a dentist as soon as possible for a check-up. They will thoroughly clean off the plaque and tartar build-up, which will start the healing process.
Long-Lasting Treatment and Solutions
Observe Good Oral Hygiene
- Brush your teeth regularly (at least 2 times a day for two minutes) with a soft-bristled toothbrush in a circling motion to have healthy gums. But replace the brush after 3 to 4 months for it to be effective as a teeth and gums cleaner.
- Use a toothpaste that is good for the gums too, that can help prevent plaque build-up on your teeth and around the gum line.
- Floss your teeth regularly and properly to remove plaque under your gum line and promote gum health. Do it gently.
- Have your dental check-up and cleaning at least twice a year to make sure no plaque and tartar can build up.
Do Not Smoke
Smoking lowers your immune system, so it is harder to ward off bacteria from plaque and tartar. Smoking damages the gums and is the primary cause of severe gum disease, according to studies. That’s why smokers’ gums are more prone to bleeding.
Maintain a Balanced Diet and Avoid Frequent Snacking
Especially avoid starchy processed and sugar-laden foods. They can cause gum bleeding and gingivitis because they stick to your teeth and gums when they break down as sugar. Starchy foods to avoid or reduce include white bread, cakes, cookies, and chips.
Avoid or Reduce Stress to Prevent Gum Disease
Stress depresses the immune system, so your gums can’t fight infection as effectively, which can trigger gum disease and bleeding.
Add Vitamin C & Vitamin K to Your Diet
Eat vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, sprouts to avoid gum infection and bleeding. If you are vitamin C deficient and have frequent gum bleeding, it will worsen despite having good oral hygiene. This vitamin nourishes your connective tissues and protects your gum lining. You can also take a vitamin C supplement with the recommended dosage for your age.
If you are vitamin K deficient, consult a doctor about how much you need to take in your diet. Some K-rich foods include green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, fish, liver, meat, and eggs. Lack of vitamin K may cause an abnormal amount of bleeding, especially in people prone to blood clots.
Drink Green Tea
The natural antioxidant catechin in green tea promotes periodontal health to help prevent gum diseases that cause bleeding gums. You may drink 3 to 4 cups daily.
Based on the causes and treatments discussed, you will notice that a healthy lifestyle is the key to preventing gum disease. It will also stop or reduce bleeding gums.
