Photo Crediy; Oleg Magni, www.pexels.com
If you have noticed or suspect that you have bleeding gums then you need to take action quickly. The first sign you’ll see to indicate this condition is when you see blood mixed in with the toothpaste you spit out after brushing or sometimes you may see spots of blood on your dental floss. Bleeding gums is a problem which is often seen by dentists in Stockport.
Please be aware that this is not normal and should never be ignored as it is indicative of a wider problem. Gums which bleed every time you brush can become red, sore and inflamed and the condition can eventually lead to more serious issues such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Luckily there are things you can do to prevent this from happening in the first place.
Brush Carefully
The most common cause of bleeding gums is quite simply brushing too hard and too vigorously. Try using a softer toothbrush and brush up and down the teeth and not horizontally. Avoid brushing above the gum line.
Brush Regularly to Avoid Plaque Build Up
A build-up of plaque along the gum line contributes towards gum inflammation and can turn into tartar if not dealt with. Brush twice daily using a toothpaste containing fluoride and floss regularly or use interdental brushes to avoid a build-up of sticky plaque. Try to make sure you brush all your teeth as thoroughly as you can. Change your toothbrush every six months.
Stop Smoking
It may surprise you to learn that smoking can be a contributor to gum disease. At the very least it can lead to bad breath and unsightly staining so look into how you can be helped to stop smoking.
Take More Vitamin C
Vitamin C can help to fight off any infection which may be causing your gums to bleed. Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, carrots and peppers; vitamin C supplements are widely available in stores and online.
Eating a healthy diet which is rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients rather than one which is packed with sugar and carbohydrate will go a long way to keeping teeth and gums healthy.
Drink Green Tea
Drinking green tea several times a day can help with the healing process as it contains a natural antioxidant called catechin. Green tea can also help to combat bad breath.
Rinse with Salt Water
Salt water is one of the oldest tried and tested remedies for stopping bleeding. Mix with water and use as a mouthwash twice a day.
Cold Compress Treatment
If your gums are bleeding due to trauma or injury of some kind rather than gum disease it can help to apply a cold compress such as a cold cloth or ice pack to the gum line to help stop the flow of blood. If you bleed copiously with no obvious incidence of trauma or injury then see a doctor or dentist urgently.
If your gums bleed intermittently or without improvement within about a week make an appointment to see your dentist who can give your teeth a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque and tartar.
Don’t Share Toothbrushes!
The mouth is naturally full of bacteria and if a partner or family member has any kind of oral problem or gum disease then if you share toothbrushes and even water glasses then there is a high risk to you of developing gum disease.
Healthy gums are vital for healthy teeth, so never ignore bleeding gums. At the first sign of any bleeding or discomfort of any kind see your dentist without delay.