While we all want pink healthy gums and brush twice a day, we do notice blood on our toothbrushes or when we chew something hard like a fresh juicy apple. In most cases, people can treat mild bleeding gums at home. Gum bleeding is common, and it can be treated and prevented with good oral hygiene.
The Channel 46 collaborated with Dr Aastha from Opal Dental Care, to advise you about reasons, solutions, and preventive tips for bleeding gums.
5 Reasons Behind Bleeding Gums
1. Plaque
Gum bleeding occurs due to excessive plaque buildup, which causes gum inflation, leading to bleeding. This plaque buildup is mostly a result of not brushing or flossing your teeth enough.
2. Brushing Too Hard
If you brush too hard, too often, or with a toothbrush that’s too rough on your gums, this can cause bleeding.
3. Ill Fitting Dentures Or Other Dental Appliances
If your dentures do not fit your mouth properly, they can rub against the gum tissue in unnatural ways. The extra friction and pressure against your gums can lead to swelling and irritation, which in turn leads to gum bleeding.
4. Gum Disease
The main cause of bleeding gums is the buildup of plaque at the gum line. This will lead to a condition called ‘gingivitis’, or inflamed gums. Plaque that is not removed will harden into tartar. This will lead to increased bleeding and a more advanced form of gum and jawbone disease known as ‘periodontitis’.
5. Other Systemic Reasons
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Leukaemia, a type of blood cancer
- Scurvy, a Vitamin C deficiency
- Use of blood thinners
- Vitamin K deficiency
Read: 8 Aasan Tips To Remove Smoke Stains & Yellowing From Your Teeth
7 Solutions For Bleeding Gums
1. Salt Water
Salt water is helpful in soothing your gum tissues, though high-blood pressure patients should avoid it. Start with a small amount so that it doesn’t irritate the tissues in your mouth.
2. Damp Cotton Cloth
Gently press the clean, damp cotton cloth against the affected portion to stop the gum from bleeding.
3. Use Ice Packs
Hold an ice cube or a small ice pack for about 10 minutes against the bleeding gums. This will help in relaxing the gums.
4. Turmeric Paste
Apply turmeric paste over the bleeding gums, let its natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties heal your gums and help control your gum bleeding. This is a common home remedy for bleeding gums.
5. Dentist Visits
Visit your dentist twice per year for professional cleaning. Your dentist will let you know if you have ‘gingivitis’ and teach you how to brush your teeth properly. Proper brushing and flossing can remove plaque from your gum line and reduce your risk of developing ‘periodontal’ disease.
6. Antiseptic Mouthwash
Minimise plaque that forms in your mouth.
7. Soft Toothbrush
It’ll be gentle on inflamed gums, especially if you experience bleeding after brushing your teeth. Medium and hard bristles may be too abrasive for your delicate gums. You might also consider using an electric toothbrush. The specially designed brush heads on these toothbrushes can help you to clean your gum line more easily than a manual toothbrush.
Read: How To Brush Teeth The Right Way, According To Dental Surgeon
6 Prevention Tips For Bleeding Gums
The best way to prevent gum bleeding is to adopt a healthy lifestyle that prevents diseases that cause gum bleeding. Gum bleeding and other gum complications can also be stopped and minimised by:
- Practise good oral health care, including brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
- Replacement of toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months.
- Visit the dentist regularly.
- See a doctor regularly to check for health problems that may contribute to gum problems, such as diabetes.
- Avoid smoking or work with a doctor to quit smoking.
- Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and limit processed foods and foods with added sugars.
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