If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you do not need to worry immediately. Factors such as brushing too vigorously, injury, or pregnancy can contribute to bleeding gums. However, recurring bleeding gums can indicate an underlying problem.
If you suffer from recurring bleeding gums, you may have gum inflammation. Gum inflammation, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, can cause redness, swelling, bleeding gums, and sensitivity. Such inflammation can occur due to insufficient plaque removal.
Determining the cause of bleeding gums is, of course, important to determine the most suitable treatment. You can read more about this in our blog “The consequences and causes of bleeding gums”.
In this article, we focus on what to look out for to stop bleeding gums. Below you will find ten tips on how to treat bleeding gums;
1. Pay attention to good oral hygiene
Naturally, good oral hygiene is paramount when treating bleeding gums. Often, bleeding gums are a sign of poor oral hygiene.
The gums become inflamed and start to bleed when plaque builds up along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that covers your teeth and gums. And if you do not brush or floss enough, the bacteria can spread and cause tooth decay or gum disease.
To maintain good oral hygiene, it is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
Good oral hygiene is also important for pregnant women. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can also cause gum disease and bleeding gums.
2. Rinse with hydrogen peroxide
Another effective method to stop bleeding gums is rinsing with hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide has a disinfectant effect and kills many types of bacteria found in the oral cavity that can cause inflammation. Additionally, it can also whiten teeth. You can read more about teeth whitening here. Various studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide can remove plaque, promote gum health, and stop bleeding gums.
If your gums bleed, rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide after brushing, but do not swallow the solution.
Gingivitis and hydrogen peroxide
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, and this condition can cause bleeding, swelling, and receding gums. In a study of 99 subjects, some were given a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash to study the effectiveness of the solution in reducing gingivitis. The study showed that the group rinsing with hydrogen peroxide had less gum inflammation than the other group.
3. Stop smoking
In addition to increasing the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke, smoking is also linked to gum disease. Smoking can also lower your body's immune system, making it harder for your body to fight plaque bacteria. This can lead to gum disease.
Quitting smoking can help your gums heal and stop bleeding gums. Talk to your doctor about the best method to help you quit smoking.
4. Reduce your stress level
One study suggests a link between periodontitis and emotional stress. According to the researchers, emotional stress has a negative impact on the immune system. This can result in a weakening of the body's defenses to the point where they can no longer fight gum inflammation. However, more research is needed to determine the amount of stress that can trigger the onset of this disease.
It is believed that emotional stress can also cause some people to neglect their oral health, which can contribute to the buildup of plaque.
5. Increase your intake of vitamin C
Eating foods rich in vitamin C can strengthen your immune system and help fight gum infections that cause bleeding gums.
Conversely, not getting enough vitamin C in your diet can worsen bleeding if you have gum disease. A vitamin C deficiency can even lead to bleeding gums, even if you take good care of your teeth.
Foods rich in vitamin C include:
- Oranges;
- Sweet potatoes;
- Red peppers;
- Carrots.
Supplements
You can also use a vitamin C supplement. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C strengthens connective tissue and increases your resistance. The recommended daily amount of vitamin C for adults is between 65 and 90 milligrams per day.
6. Increase your intake of vitamin K
Taking a vitamin K supplement can also relieve bleeding gums. Vitamin K is an important nutrient because it helps your blood clot. A deficiency can easily cause bleeding, and a study found that this can lead to bleeding gums.
Foods rich in vitamin K include:
- Spinach;
- Kale.
7. Apply a cold compress
Bleeding gums are not always caused by gum disease. Your gums can also bleed due to trauma or an injury to the gums, for example, if a wisdom tooth has been extracted. Look here for our tips after a wisdom tooth extraction.
A cold compress applied to the gum line can reduce swelling, restrict blood flow, and stop bleeding gums. You can apply this several times a day for about 20 minutes.
8. Eat fewer carbohydrates
Research has shown that reducing carbohydrate intake also improves gum health and prevents gum disease. Carbohydrates and sugary foods promote plaque and bacterial growth. The more plaque that accumulates on your gums, the greater the risk of developing bleeding gums.
Although regular brushing and flossing can reduce this buildup, reducing carbohydrates also helps prevent the formation of plaque.
9. Drink green tea
Drinking green tea daily can also reverse periodontitis and stop bleeding gums. Green tea contains catechin, a natural antioxidant that can reduce the body's inflammatory response to bacteria in the mouth.
10. Rinse your mouth with salt water
Because bacteria and inflammation in the mouth cause gum disease, regularly rinsing your mouth with a mixture of warm salt water can also reduce the number of bacteria and stop bleeding gums.
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 the bleeding is the result of an injury or, for example, the extraction of a wisdom tooth, rinsing with salt water also keeps your mouth clean and removes bacteria that can cause an infection.
What to do if bleeding gums persist?
It is recommended to visit the dentist if bleeding gums persist despite following the tips above. You may need a thorough dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar and promote gum healing.
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