Oh My Gums: The Causes of and Treatment for Bleeding

Gum bleeding is one of the most common complaint that dentists get. You may have noticed bleeding when your brush or floss your teeth, we suggest do not panic. Let’s try to break down the issue at hand and help you to decipher the world of Gum bleeding. Bleeding gums indicate a serious underlying dental problem, which you can’t wish away.

Why Do I Have Bleeding Gums?

While we all want pink healthy gums and brush twice a day to achieve it but still sometimes, we do notice blood on our toothbrush or when we chew something hard like a fresh juicy apple. The probable reasons for the same can be any one or more of the below mentioned:

• Poor Dental Hygiene - Bleeding gums are a sign of poor dental hygiene.
• Plaque – Gum bleeding occurs due to excessive plaque buildup, which causes your gums to get inflamed and bleed. This plaque buildup is mostly a result of not brushing or flossing your teeth enough.
• Signs of Gum Diseases – Gum bleeding is also a sign of gum-related disease like periodontitis (an advanced form of gum disease)

You may often wonder how to stop gum bleeding immediately? Here are a few ways that can help you stop your gums from bleeding.

1. Salt Water
Salt water is helpful in soothing your gum tissues, though high-blood pressure patients should avoid it. Start with a small amount so that it doesn’t irritate the tissues in your mouth.

2. Damp Cotton Cloth
Gently press the clean, damp cotton cloth against the affected portion to stop the gum from bleeding.

3. Use Ice Packs
Hold an ice cube or a small ice pack for about 10 minutes against the bleeding gums; this will help in relaxing the gums.

4. Apply Turmeric Paste
Apply turmeric paste over the bleeding gums, let its natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties heal your gums and help control your gum bleeding. This is a common home remedy for bleeding gums.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Bleeding

Now that you know why do gums bleed, let’s move on to the signs and symptoms of gum bleeding.

• Gums are bright red
• Gums are pulling back from your teeth
• Gums bleed when you eat, brush or floss

Related Symptoms and Signs

Apart from the direct signs of gum bleeding, also watch out for the related signs:

• Bad Breath
  Gum bleeding can encourage the growth of bacteria that causes bad breath.
• Mouth Sores
  Mouth sores cause bleeding in your mouth. Check your mouth for mouth and cheeks for ulcers.
• Lumps on Gums
  Lumps on your gums indicate a bacterial infection or in worst-scenario cases, oral cancer.

Gum Bleeding Treatment Techniques

• Cold Compression Technique
  When you have bleeding gums due to a physical injury, cold compress helps. This method reduces gum bleeding and numbs the pain. Take a cold cloth and place it on top of the swollen and injured gum.
  
• Modified Stillman Brushing Technique
  This technique helps target the infected area near the gums and prevents the infection from spreading further. Here you brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle, so the brush comes partly over the cervical part of your tooth. It provides gingival-stimulating massages and removes the cervical plaque.
  
• Flossing
  Gum bleeding is often caused by infections due to food matter between your teeth. Regular flossing can stop such infections and deal with gum bleeding.
  However, at times, it’s rigorous flossing that can cause gum bleeding, so make sure you don’t floss too hard.
  
• Consult a Dentist
  So, what if you try these remedies, and the gum bleeding still does not stop? If it keeps recurring, it is best to consult with a professional dentist. Don’t wait too long!
  

Gum Bleeding Prevention

You can start with effective oral hygiene to maintain your oral health. You can prevent it by brushing twice a day and following up with swishing with a mouthwash that is effective against oral germs that reduce chances of plaque formation. Other measures that go a long way towards a great oral health are avoid chewing tobacco, seeing a dentist regularly, drinking sufficient water and including a lot healthy foods like vegetable and fruits in your daily routine. These little regular measures will help in reducing the chances of gum bleeding and give you happy and pink gums.

When to See a Doctor?

You should see a doctor when you notice any changes in teeth, gums, or mouth. Redness, pain, or bleeding of the gums would need attention. If this frequently arises, consult a dentist at an early stage to check for any gum diseases or other possible issues. Gums and Mouth Ulcers, gingivitis, periodontitis etc. are some are the issues that have arisen from some serious gum bleeding and that should be cured at the earliest.

How Can LISTERINE® Products Help?

LISTERINE® with its more than 100 years of science has been a pioneer in the field of Oral hygiene. LISTERINE® mouthwash is particularly good at helping get rid of germs and preventing dental plaque. When untreated, plaque hardens into tartar and eventually leads to gum bleeding. LISTERINE®’s superior four essential oils formula can penetrate the plaque bio film and helps remove germs right down from the bottom layer. LISTERINE® mouthwash has the power to help remove germs causing gum problems, plaque, and bad breath, keeping your mouth clean and healthy.
So, swish with LISTERINE® twice a day after brushing and get your protection against gum problems.

This information is intended to generate awareness amongst the users of oral care hygiene products. It is always recommended to seek advice from your dentist or other qualified health care provided for any diagnosis or treatment.