Bleeding Gums Treatment

Why Do Gums Bleed?

The main reason gums bleed has to do with bad bacteria in the mouth. Harmful bacteria which feed on sugar residues in the mouth build up and churn out dangerous waste products. These waste products then irritate the lining of the gums, causing the body’s defenses to kick into action.

The body uses these defenses sparingly. However, inflammatory factors from elsewhere in the body rush to the site of inflammation and, over time, damage the tissue.

The plaque that causes the damage is usually invisible. It’s the thin, transparent film that covers the gumline. If you don’t brush your teeth to remove plaque they will harden over time into tartar, which can be damaging and the plaque becomes visible.

How to Avoid Bleeding Gums

Thankfully, there are simple things you can do to prevent or reverse the beginning stages of gum disease. The good thing is, these simple steps don’t take much time and are very effective.

Brushing and Home Care

The first thing to do is to develop a comprehensive oral hygiene routine at home. How you brush your teeth and the type of brush that you use matter a lot when fighting the bacteria that cause gum disease or gingivitis.

Start by selecting a soft-bristled toothbrush. The soft bristles are vital because they prevent further damage to gums, which could exacerbate gumline recession. Damaged gums tend to recede from the teeth that they surround, exposing more of the teeth, including the root. Your teeth can become uncomfortable and even painful. You may find that you are more sensitive to hot and cold beverages or food. You may also find yourself more self-conscious about smiling.

When you brush, use a small dollop of toothpaste and then brush your teeth and gums all over using a circular motion. Make sure you hit other areas of the mouth too, including the tongue and roof of the mouth.

Flossing

The bacteria which cause bleeding gums like to hide in the recesses between teeth. Here they’re immune to the action of brushing and can create a foothold that later allows bacteria to spread to the rest of your mouth. Flossing, therefore, is indispensable. It lets you get in between your teeth and scoop out any bacteria and their waste products.

To floss, take 18 inches of floss between your pointer fingers, leaving a two-inch space in the middle. Then slot the floss into the gap between your teeth and begin using an upward motion along the sides of your teeth. This motion will help to dislodge food particles and bacteria that might have built up in the area, reducing your chances of developing a gum condition.

Mouthwash

The primary purpose of mouthwash is to help flush all those nasty bacteria you dislodged with brushing and flossing. Most mouthwash on the market and that are available from your dentist is antibacterial. The swishing action helps to circulate the bacteria, lifting it from your gums.

You should find that regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash will help to improve the health of your gums. Over time, you should notice less bleeding while brushing and that your gums become more robust. In more severe cases, your gums will feel less sensitive.

Reduce Sugar

Sugar is at the root of practically all gingivitis. Sugar consumption changes the composition of bacteria in your mouth, promoting the survival of harmful varieties. Without sugar in the diet, people can live relatively gum-disease-free, especially if they use fluoride toothpaste. With sugar, however, you’re fighting an uphill battle, even if you brush and floss regularly.

Get A Dental Checkup

Good hygiene habits are essential to maintaining dental health. However, regular cleanings and exams will add additional protection to keep gum disease in check. Our hygienists and dentists examine your teeth for signs of plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline. We also take X-rays and use other procedures to determine whether the teeth and gums are in good condition.