How Do I Get My Gums to Stop Bleeding?
&srotate=0)
If you've noticed a little blood in your sink after brushing, you might think it is normal and shrug it off. Factors, like brushing too hard, pregnancy, injury, and swollen gums, can contribute to bleeding gums. However, it can also be a sign of periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. To identify the source of your bleeding gums and determine the appropriate treatment plan, contact our dental experts at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County in State College, PA. If you have bleeding or swollen gums, contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our dental experts.
Ways to stop bleeding gums
Gums bleeding after you brush or floss your teeth can be an indicator of an underlying dental problem. Red, tender, and swollen gums can be the early warning signs of gum disease, resulting from inadequate plaque removal or poor oral hygiene. Determining the cause of bleeding gums with a dental expert is key to identifying what treatment is necessary. In the meantime, here are some helpful ways to stop bleeding gums from our team at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County in State College, PA.
1. Rinse with warm salt water or hydrogen peroxide
Regularly rinsing with a mixture of warm salt water may reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth and stop bleeding gums. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth for a few seconds, 3 – 4 times a day. If bleeding gums are from a trauma or injury to the mouth, rinsing with warm salt water can remove harmful bacteria to lessen oral infection risk. If your gums are bleeding, you can also try rinsing with hydrogen peroxide after brushing, but don't swallow. It is a disinfectant that can promote gum health and remove harmful plaque.
2. Eat fewer carbs and sugary treats
Research has shown that reducing your carbohydrate intake may also reduce your risk for gum disease and improve your oral health. Sugary foods and carbohydrates encourage the growth of bacteria in the mouth and the development of plaque. Plaque buildup can cause bleeding or swollen gums, eventually leading to gingivitis or periodontal disease.
3. Increase your intake of vitamin K and C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens connective tissue and protects the lining of your gums. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that helps your blood clot. If you are low on vitamin K, then it may be a factor of bleeding gums. Eat more foods rich in vitamin C, such as sweet potatoes, oranges, and carrots, or take a supplement of 65 – 90 milligrams a day. To increase your vitamin K, spinach, kale, and collard greens are excellent food sources, or take a daily supplement.
4. Stop smoking
Smoking not only increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, or lung cancer, but it has also been linked to gum disease. Smoking can hinder your body's immune system, making it harder to fight off plaque bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to gum disease. If you are experiencing bleeding gums, quit smoking to let your gums heal. To get advice on quitting, contact our caring team at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County.
5. Practice good oral hygiene
Bleeding and swollen gums may be a sign of poor dental hygiene. If you don't brush or floss regularly, plaque can build up along the gumline. Plaque is a sticky film containing harmful bacterial that covers your teeth and gums. If plaque is not removed with regular dental visits and a consistent at-home oral health care routine, it eventually can cause bleeding gums, or worse, gum disease or tooth decay.
Do you need a dentist or periodontist in State College, PA?
You should see a dentist if your symptoms don't improve within 7 – 10 days after trying these helpful tips. You may need a dental exam and deep cleaning to remove tartar and plaque to allow your gums to heal. At Advanced Dentistry of Centre County in State College, PA, we provide general dental cleanings (prophylaxis), periodontal cleanings, and teeth scaling and root planing for those suffering from bleeding gums or gum disease. For more information, contact our team or schedule an appointment online at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County today.