How to Get My Gums to Stop Bleeding
It is common for most adult patients to experience bleeding gum tissue at some point in their life but it should never be ignored. Bleeding gums can be indicative of gum disease or may even be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical condition. Gum inflammation can lead to red and sore gum tissue, which can be painful during oral hygiene and even eating and speaking.
What causes bleeding gums?
Gum disease is the number one reason that a patient may have bleeding gums though there are other factors that may come in to play including poor oral hygiene practices or underlying medical conditions. Gum disease can present in the form of gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, or as a more advanced form called periodontitis. Gum disease progresses in stages, advancing as it is left untreated.
When plaque is not regularly removed with brushing and flossing, plaque can accumulate in the gum pockets and harden into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing, only by a dental hygienist during a professional cleaning. An accumulation of tartar in the gum pockets can cause the gum tissue to recede from the tooth route, causing tooth sensitivity and eventually, bone and/or tooth loss.
If you are experiencing gum bleeding, there are a few things you can try at home to soothe them and hopefully treat the problem.
Practice Good Oral hygiene
The best way to prevent bleeding gums is with good oral hygiene. Gingivitis can often be corrected and reversed with improved oral hygiene. Plaque can build up along the gum line and in the gum pockets and without regular removal, over time, will calcify into tartar. When plaque and bacteria are not regularly removed with brushing and flossing, dental decay can begin to eat away at tooth structure and the gum tissue can start to recede from the tooth surface.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide and/or Saltwater
Hydrogen peroxide and chlorhexidine can be used as a disinfectant and are both effective in plaque removal. They also promote gum health and can even stop gum bleeding! If your gums are bleeding, rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide after brushing.
Because bacteria and inflammation in the mouth causes gum disease, regularly rinsing your mouth with a mixture of warm salt water may also reduce bacteria and stop gum bleeding. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth for a few seconds three to four times a day. If bleeding is from an injury or trauma, rinsing with a salt water mixture also keeps your mouth clean and removes bacteria that could cause a wound infection.
Apply a Cold Compress
Bleeding gums are not always due to gum disease. Your gums may also bleed from trauma or an injury to the gum tissue. A cold compress applied to the gum line can reduce swelling and restrict blood flow to stop bleeding. Apply an ice pack or a cold cloth to your gums several times a day, 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off.
When to See a Doctor
If bleeding does not stop within two weeks, you should see your Dentist. You may need a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line and promote gum healing. This treatment can bring your gum tissue back to a healthy state and with regular, more frequent professional cleanings, you can keep your gums healthy and prevent bleeding.