How to Stop Bleeding Gums

Many people experience bleeding gums everyday while brushing or flossing but they tend to neglect the problem. Though the fact is that it is one such problem that you cannot afford to ignore. Bleeding gums are often accompanied by inflammation and painful gums, receding gums, bad breath and even toothache. It is an obvious sign of unhealthy gums. It is a symptom of gingivitis and other periodontal disease. The tissues of gums provide support to the teeth. If the condition is left untreated, it may loosen your teeth and eventually lead to loss of teeth.

Causes

Lack of proper dental care is the main cause. Some people use hard and stiff bristled toothbrush for effective cleaning. This can badly hurt the soft tissues of gums and the gums bleed when brushing teeth. Exerting too much pressure while flossing teeth may also cause bruises in the gums. Besides, nutritional deficiency can be responsible for tender bleeding gums. Lack of calcium and vitamins C and K often cause this problem. Bleeding gums during pregnancy is quite common. Those who are suffering from kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes or leukemia may also get this problem.

How to Stop Bleeding Gums at Home

When there is an occasional bleeding, it can be checked with the help of good oral hygiene. In other cases, you have to try out some other home remedies as well. Let us find out more about them:

Proper Brushing: As improper brushing is one of the key reasons behind bleeding gums, you must know how to brush your teeth properly. Check out the bristles of your toothbrush. If it has stiff bristles, switch over to a soft bristled toothbrush in order to stop bleeding gums when brushing. You should use a fluoride-free natural toothpaste when you have bleeding gums. While brushing along the gum line, position the toothbrush at 45 degrees angle and make small circular strokes for thorough cleaning.

Proper Flossing: Flossing of teeth is equally important as it reaches out to those areas which cannot be accessed while brushing. It takes out food particles trapped in between teeth, and thus prevents plaque formation. If you were not flossing then regular flossing can lessen the intensity of bleeding from gums very soon. But be gentle on your gums. Extra pressure does not mean extra cleaning.

Saltwater: The simplest treatment is with the help of saltwater. Mix one teaspoon of table salt in a glass of warm water. Use this solution to rinse your mouth thoroughly. This should be done three times in a day for best results.

Grapefruit Seed Extract: This destroys the bacteria responsible for tenderness and bleeding of the gums. To apply it on the gums, coat the dental floss with grapefruit seed extract and use it on the gums between the teeth from where bleeding occurs. Alternately, you can prepare a mouthwash by adding a few drops of grapefruit seed extract in a cup of water. Rinse your mouth with this solution. This will help to fight bad breath too.

Milk of Magnesia: Milk of magnesia has an amazing effect on bleeding gums. Add one tablespoon of milk of magnesia in 4 ounces of water. After brushing your teeth, gargle with this solution. When used regularly, it stops gum bleeding.

Black Teabags: To stop bleeding gums after tooth extraction, you can apply a cold black teabag in the area. In a small bowl, put an ice cube and some water. Place a black teabag in it till the teabag is fully soaked in water. Then squeeze out the excess water from the teabag, place it on the bleeding socket and bite it. Keep the teabag inside the mouth till it becomes warm. Black tea contains tannin that stops the bleeding with just one application.

These treatments should reduce the intensity of bleeding in one or two days. If it does not, then it could be a serious gums disease, and you must visit your dentist for a thorough dental check up.