7 Ways to Stop Gums from Bleeding
If you notice blood in the sink after you brush your teeth, it’s not necessarily a cause for alarm. While persistent bleeding can be a sign of gum disease, most Americans experience bleeding gums from time to time. There are many different reasons your gums could be bleeding, and you can usually stop bleeding gums at home using one of these methods:
- Try a warm saltwater rinse. When you rinse your mouth with salt water, you reduce bacteria and speed the healing process. This homemade remedy for bleeding gums can be made by adding half a teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of warm water.
- Use gauze. Just as with bleeding anywhere else on the body, it can typically be stopped by holding a clean, damp piece of gauze against the affected area.
- Apply a turmeric paste. Turmeric has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so many people swear by it as a bleeding gums treatment. Though the scientific evidence backing this claim is scant, one study concluded that turmeric’s ingredient was effective in reducing gum inflammation.
- Gently floss. Regular flossing is important for oral health. Even though gums that aren’t used to flossing may bleed at first when you start a new flossing routine, they’ll soon adjust and be healthier.
- Use the right toothbrush. People with sensitive gums should choose a toothbrush that’s extra-soft or sensitive, but in fact, the American Dental Association recommends soft toothbrushes for everyone.
- Consider oil pulling. Swishing an oil with antibacterial properties, like coconut oil, around your mouth for 10 minutes before spitting it out may reduce plaque levels and remove bacteria from the mouth.
- Eat more leafy greens. Greens like kale, lettuce, and spinach contain vitamin K, which helps the blood to clot. People with a vitamin K deficiency may notice that it takes a long time for them to stop bleeding, so if you’re concerned about bleeding gums, lack of vitamin K may be the problem.
Why are your gums bleeding? Bleeding gums causes range from the simple to the serious. It could be that you’ve got a buildup of plaque or tartar that’s allowing bacteria to grow along the gum line. You may be brushing or flossing too roughly, or not brushing your teeth often enough. Smoking can cause bleeding gums, as can stress or a poor diet. If your gums won’t stop bleeding, talk to your dentist about possible gum disease.
At Lifetime Smiles, our state-of-the art technology, along with our modern approach to dental care, allows us to design and deliver a dental care plan customized for each individual patient’s needs. Because we know that caring for the teeth is one of the most important factors in maintaining good health, we’re committed to delivering innovative care solutions to help improve and maintain your dental health. If you’re in Bellevue, WA, and you’re looking for comfortable, safe, compassionate dental care, call 425-999-3124 or contact us through our website.
