10 Tips to Prevent Bleeding Gums According to Menlo Park Dentists

Jun 12

Our Menlo Park Dentists give you 10 tips to prevent bleeding gums. Before it gets worse, make sure to give special care and attention to it.

10 Tips to Prevent Bleeding Gums According to Menlo Park Dentists

The only way to figure out what causes bleeding gums is to figure out what's triggering it to happen. However, we don't want you to think that you have health-related conditions just because you've experienced bleeding gums. If you rule out these conditions after checking in with your dentist, here are some ways to prevent bleeding gums from happening.

Tip #1 - Always Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Bleeding gums may indicate a lack of dental hygiene. When plaque builds up along the gum line, the gums may become inflamed and bleed. Plaque is a bacteria-filled sticky film that coats the teeth and gums. If you don't brush or floss often enough, the bacteria will spread and lead to tooth decay or gum disease.

Clean your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day to improve your oral hygiene. These are a few more suggestions for keeping your teeth in good shape. For pregnant women, good oral hygiene is essential. Gum disease and bleeding gums may also occur because of hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Tip #2 - Rinse Your Mouth With Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is suitable to use as a mouth disinfectant. It turns out that it can also help with plaque removal, gum hygiene, and gum bleeding. Rinse your teeth with hydrogen peroxide after brushing if your gums are bleeding. But never drink the solution.

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums that may lead to bleeding, swelling, and receding gums. In a study, 99 subjects took the task of rinsing hydrogen peroxide to determine how effective it was at reducing gingivitis and whitening teeth. As a result, the group that rinsed had less gum inflammation.

Tip #3 - Stop Smoking

Smoking is related to gum disease and increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that smoking is a significant cause of severe gum disease in the United States.

Smoking weakens the immune system, making it more difficult for your body to destroy plaque bacteria. Gum disease may result as a result of this. Quitting smoking can aid in the healing of your gums and the reduction of bleeding. Consult your doctor on the right way to assist you in quitting smoking.

Tip #4 - Reduce Stress Level

Emotional tension, according to the researchers, has a detrimental effect on the immune system. It can cause the body's defenses to deteriorate to the point that it cannot combat a gum infection.

Emotional stress is thought to cause certain people to neglect their oral health, leading to plaque accumulation. Don't hesitate to speak to a psychiatrist or your attending physician. Learn about some of the stress-relieving options available to you.

Tip #5 - Increase Your Intake Of Vitamin C

Vitamin C-rich foods will boost your immune system and aid in the battle against gum infections that cause bleeding gums. In contrast, if you have gum disease, not having enough vitamin C in your diet can exacerbate bleeding.

Even if you practice good oral hygiene, a vitamin C deficiency can cause gum bleeding. So here are some foods rich in vitamin C that you can add to your diet.

oranges
sweet potatoes
red peppers
carrots

It would help if you also discussed taking a vitamin C supplement with your doctor. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that enhances connective tissue and protects the lining of your gums, so make sure you get plenty every day.

Tip #6 - Increase Your Intake Of Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a necessary nutrient since it aids in blood clotting. A deficiency in this vitamin can cause fast bleeding, and according to one study, it can also cause gum bleeding. Try these foods rich in vitamin K to include in your diet.

spinach
collard greens
kale
mustard greens

Tip #7 - Apply A Cold Compress

Gum disease isn't necessarily the cause of bleeding gums. Trauma or an injury to the gum tissue may also cause bleeding. Applying a cold compress to the gum line will help stop bleeding by reducing swelling and restricting blood flow. Try using an ice pack or a cold cloth to your gums for 20 minutes, multiple times a day.

Tip #8 - Eat Fewer Carbs

Reduced carbohydrate intake can also boost gum health and prevent gum disease, according to research. Carbohydrates and sugary foods promote plaque formation and bacterial development. You're more likely to have bleeding gums if you have a lot of plaque on your gums. Brushing and flossing every day can help minimize plaque accumulation, but limiting carbohydrates can help avoid plaque formation.

Tip #9 - Drink Green Tea

Green tea can also help to reverse periodontal disease and stop bleeding gums if consumed regularly. Green tea contains catechin, a natural antioxidant that may help to reduce the body's inflammatory response to oral bacteria.

Green tea's efficacy in improving periodontal health was investigated in a study of 940 men. Home insulation researchers used probing to assess participants' periodontal pocket depth before and after drinking green tea, as well as any loss of gum tissue and incidences of gum bleeding. According to the findings, the more green tea a person drinks, the better their periodontal health would be.

You can consume three to four cups of green tea a day. But some experts suggest that you can consume up to ten cups per day to see any health benefits.

Tip #10 - Rinse Your Mouth With Salt Water

Gum disease happens because of bacteria that causes inflammation in the mouth. So rinsing the mouth with a warm saltwater mixture every day will help minimize bacteria and avoid gum bleeding.

Rinse water with salt at least three or four times a day. Then, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth for a few seconds. Rinsing this mixture also keeps the mouth clean and prevents bacteria that could cause a wound infection if the bleeding is caused by an accident or trauma.

When Should You Feel Concerned About Bleeding Gums?

If bleeding gums persist after 7 to 10 days, don't hesitate to see a dentist. But if you have excessive bleeding in your gums for hours, then that needs an emergency treatment. To remove plaque and tartar and encourage gum healing, you may need a deep dental cleaning. Your doctor can also prescribe tests to know whether you have any vitamin deficiencies that are causing your gums to bleed.

Dr. Marisa Walker, D.D.S.

150 Middlefield Rd #101, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States

650-328-2072