Woman checking bleeding gums in the mirror

Did you know that about 42% of adults experience some form of periodontal disease by thirty? That is because many of us concentrate on keeping our teeth bright and healthy.

With all that focus on our smiles, it is easy to let our gums fly under the radar. But the truth is, our gums are just as critical to oral health as our teeth.

Periodontal disease can lead to serious health problems, many of which are easily avoidable given the right dentist and oral hygiene techniques. So, do you want to know how to stop bleeding gums? If so, keep reading our guide to find out more.

Improve Dental Hygiene

The first thing you want to do is create an oral hygiene routine for yourself. That doesn’t just mean brushing your teeth. There is a chance that your mouth bleeds due to plaque building along the lining of your gums.

So, take time to brush twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. Some even give their teeth a quick scrub in the afternoon for good measure. After that, be sure to floss at least once a day.

When we eat, food gets stuck between our teeth and causes bacteria to grow. Once that bacteria mixes with plaque, it can lead to potential gum disease.

Buy a New Toothbrush

The bristles on your toothbrush may be too rough or coarse. When they rub against your gums, it could scrape them, which results in bleeding. Find a toothbrush with softer bristles that won’t cause too much irritation.

Another problem could be that you either brush too hard or that you need a new toothbrush altogether. According to the American Dental Association, always be sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

Remember, you don’t have to bear down on your teeth to get them clean. A light scrub for a few minutes is enough to clean your teeth.

Rinse with Saltwater

Swishing your mouth with salt water can reduce inflammation and soothe bleeding or sore gums. If you notice that your gum line has inflammation or is sensitive, try mixing warm water and sea salt. This method is also a way to keep infections away.

Get Your Daily Vitamins C and K

Vitamins are the key to maintaining a healthy immune system that can fight infections. Even if you practice good oral habits, a vitamin deficiency will still cause your gums to bleed.

To get around this, eat plenty of fruits like oranges, carrots, or sweet potatoes to get your fill of Vitamin C. You also want to ensure you have a healthy intake of Vitamin K.

This vitamin helps your blood to clot a bit more which would benefit bleeding gums. To get a daily dose of this supplement, eat foods like spinach or kale.

Drink Green Tea

Green tea has a variety of health benefits. One of which is its ability to bring down inflammation.

One study found that the catechin in green tea helped the body respond to inflammation and bacteria and reduce periodontal disease. If you want to give green tea a go, then drink one to three cups per day.

Stop Smoking

If you smoke and experience bleeding gums, then the cigarettes may be the root cause. The Center for Disease Control expresses that smoking can lower your body’s immune response and cause severe gum disease.

What Do Bleeding Gums Mean?

Bleeding gums may occur for several different reasons that range from harmless to critical oral health conditions. For some, having gums that bleed may only be a symptom of brushing your teeth too hard.

When we bare down on our toothbrush, the coarse bristle grind across the surface of our gums can lead to bleeding. Alternatively, if you have gums that constantly bleed or that bleed with the slightest touch of a toothbrush, it could point to underlying gum disease and health conditions like:

  • Gingivitis
  • Periodontal disease
  • Vitamin deficiency

Though these are the most common health conditions regarding bleeding gums, there could be other underlying issues. For instance, if you have dentures, they could be too tight and pressing against your gumline. You may also have a blood condition such as hemophilia that increases bleeding in the gums.

Health Risks of Bleeding Gums

Many patients assume that frequent bleeding of the gums is nothing to worry themselves over. Some wait for it to go away and will visit their dentist when another issue occurs.

The thing is, you want to tackle bleeding gums before any other health risk arises. If this condition goes without treatment, it could end up affecting vital organs.

Research suggests that an infection in the mouth can spread to the rest of your body. That means increased chances of developing heart disease, having a stroke, and even giving birth prematurely.

As a rule of thumb, you should see a qualified dentist like Dr. Newhart every six months. Sticking to routine dental check-ups is the best measure to take in improving gum health.

Signs and Symptoms of Bleeding Gums

Letting gum disease linger for too long is a danger to your overall health. That is why it is crucial you know what to look for regarding early symptoms.

One of the main signs is gums that are either tender, inflamed, or bleeding. Inflammation is your body reacting to an infection, and it lets you know that something is wrong early on.

Other symptoms include things like:

  • Bad breath
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Pain while chewing
  • Receding gums
  • Red gums
  • Swollen gums

Gum disease can arise due to a variety of reasons. Poor dental hygiene is usually the main culprit. However, other things like hormonal changes, family history, and smoking can add to the problem.

See a Dentist to Stop Bleeding Gums

As you can tell, there are several ways to stop bleeding gums. Remember to brush and floss regularly and get your daily intake of vitamins. Along with that, you can do things like drink green tea and rinse saltwater.

If you have constant bleeding gums, you must identify the reason why visiting a qualified dentist. At The Gum Doctor, Dr. Newhart takes your oral health seriously.

If you have concerns about your gums, please feel free to contact us today and schedule an appointment. We will have your mouth and gums happy and healthy in no time!

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