Bleeding gums are a common oral health problem that can affect anyone. They can be caused by various factors, such as poor dental hygiene, gum disease, injury, medication, smoking, stress, or nutritional deficiencies.
Bleeding gingival tissues can be a sign of inflammation and infection in the gums, which can lead to more serious problems if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to know how to help stop the bleeding and prevent it from recurring.
Here are a few measures you can take to help stop bleeding gums.
Use Gauze
One of the simplest and quickest ways to stop bleeding gums is to apply pressure with a piece of clean, damp gauze. The pressure can help stop the blood flow and reduce swelling. You can hold the gauze against the affected area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. If you have a weakened immune system or another medical condition that affects your blood clotting, you may need to apply pressure for longer or seek medical attention.
Use Ice
Another way to stop bleeding gums is to use ice or a cold compress. This can help constrict the blood vessels and soothe inflammation and pain. You can wrap some ice cubes in a cloth or use a small ice pack and hold it against your gums for 10 minutes at a time, with 10-minute breaks in between. You can also suck on an ice cube or drink cold water to cool down your mouth.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash can help kill bacteria and reduce plaque buildup that can cause bleeding gums. It can also help heal minor wounds and prevent infection. You can use an antibacterial mouthwash that contains ingredients such as chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide, which have been shown to be effective against gum disease. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash after brushing your teeth or whenever you notice bleeding gums.
Use Salt Water
Saltwater is a natural antiseptic that can help cleanse your mouth and reduce inflammation. It can also help balance the pH level of your mouth and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. To make a saltwater rinse, you can dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for a few seconds, then spit it out. You can do this several times a day until your gums heal.
Use Turmeric Paste
Turmeric is a spice that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can help reduce gum swelling and bleeding, as well as promote wound healing and prevent infection. To make a turmeric paste, you can mix some turmeric powder with water to form a thick paste and apply it directly to your gums with your finger or a cotton swab. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse it off with water. You can do this twice a day until you see improvement.
Contact a local general dentist to learn more.
Every time you take a bite of food, you should be grateful for your healthy teeth! A tooth can lose its health and structure quickly once decay sets in. Luckily, if you visit your dentist for regular appointments, the decay should not get too serious before your dentist notices it and can do something about it. That "something" is applying a filling. On the other hand, if the decay progresses too long before it is caught, you may need a crown or even an extraction.
We want to keep our teeth, and we know you want to keep yours. That's why we created this website to teach you more about dentists and dental care. Enjoy!