How to Get My Gums to Stop Bleeding
Brushing or flossing aggressively, an injury, a pregnancy, or an inflammation from an infection can all result in bleeding gums. Swelling and gum inflammation is apparent with a change in tissue color from a healthy pink to red and also increased tenderness. Usually, it is a sign of periodontal disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Gum disease is the direct result of plaque and tartar accumulating on your teeth.
Identifying the specific cause of your bleeding gums is important to choosing the appropriate treatment. Once you determine the origin, such as gum disease versus a pregnancy, you and your dentist can then exercise the proper treatment to stop the gum bleeding.
Several Techniques to Stop Bleeding Gums
Schedule an appointment to see your dentist if bleeding gums do not stop within a few days. You might just need a reliable professional dental cleaning to remove the harmful buildup of plaque and tartar. Your dentist may also order lab work to check for any other causes of your gum bleeding. Here are some techniques for you to practice:
* Exercise appropriate oral hygiene- Bleeding gums are very often a sign of poor dental self-hygiene. Gums become swollen and bleed when there is an increased plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky, clear film containing bacteria that sticks to your teeth. To exercise good oral hygiene, brush your teeth at least twice daily for two minutes each time and floss once a day to stay ahead of the daily buildup.
* Reduce your stress level- Research has proven there is a link between periodontal disease and emotional stress. Research has shown that emotional stress has a negative impact on your immune system. This impact weakens your body’s defenses such that it cannot fight a gum infection.
* Increase your vitamin C- Vitamin C helps strengthen your immune system and will fight off the gum infection that is causing your bleeding gums.
* Increase your vitamin K- A vitamin K supplement can also help avoid bleeding gums. Vitamin K is an important nutrient for your immune system because it helps with blood clotting.
* Apply a cold compress- Bleeding gums are not always from gum disease. Your gums could be bleeding from an injury. 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 will also cause gum disease. Rinsing with a mixture of warm salt water will reduce unwanted bacteria and also help to stop gum bleeding.
* Rinse with hydrogen peroxide- You can use hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant. It will remove plaque, promote gum health, and even stop bleeding gums.
* Eat fewer carbs- Reducing your intake of carbohydrates will also improve gum health and prevent gum disease. Both carbohydrates and sugary foods accelerate plaque and bacteria.
* Stop smoking- Not only does smoking increase the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and a stroke; smoking is also linked to gum disease. Smoking is a primary cause of severe gum disease according to the Centers for Disease Control. Smoking reduces your body’s natural immune system, making it more difficult to fight off plaque bacteria. This easily then leads to gum disease.