A Dentist in Somerville Shares 10 Useful Tips to Stop Bleeding Gums

When brushing and flossing your teeth, does your toothbrush or the floss come back clean or bloody? If there’s no tinge of pink or red, your gums are in good shape; however, if you notice any blood during your morning or nighttime dental routine, it could mean a serious oral health problem like gum disease. If you want to know what you can do, let a dentist in Somerville share a few tips on how you can stop bleeding gums.

Gum Disease: Commonly Seen by Dentists

Considered one of the most common dental problems seen by dentists, gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. When plaque and tartar build around the gum line, it can cause bone loss, tissue breakdown, and bleeding gums in its advanced stages. If gum disease in Somerville is left untreated, you can experience tooth loss, resulting in extensive treatment plans to address the problem.

Ways to Stop Bleeding Gums

When blood appears on your toothbrush or floss, you may be asking yourself, “Why is this happening?” If you’re diligent with your oral hygiene routine, it may be the result of a health-related problem like diabetes. It could also be something unrelated to gum disease like you’re brushing too hard. No matter what is causing your gums to bleed, there are a few tips you should keep in mind if you want to stop the bleeding.

• Maintain good oral habits. If you’ve just started flossing, it will be normal to see a bit of blood, as your gums are experiencing something new. Whether or not flossing is something you just started doing or not, it’s vital that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss at least once a day. Poor oral habits are one of the biggest reasons people develop gum disease, so don’t wait! Start your routine today.
• Quit smoking. This nasty habit can do serious damage to your overall health. It lowers your immune system, preventing your body from being able to heal quickly and fight off bacterial infections. When plaque is allowed to grow, it can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. By choosing to quit, your lungs and heart are not only benefitting, but your gums and teeth are, too!
• Reduce stress levels. Surprisingly, there is a connection between stress and periodontal disease. When stress takes over the body, it has a negative impact on the immune system. This means, your body may have a harder time battling infection, much like smoking can do. Apart from the body’s weakened system, stress can also cause people to abandon their oral health habits. This can lead to cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.
• Take Vitamin C. Eating foods with plenty of Vitamin C can not only strengthen your body’s immune system, but it will help fight off infection and protect the lining of your gums. When your body experiences a vitamin deficiency, it can worsen gum bleeding. Carrots and oranges are excellent sources of Vitamin C, so stock up!
• Increase Vitamin K intake. This beneficial vitamin helps your blot to clot. Foods rich in Vitamin K include spinach, kale, and collard greens.
• Rinse with warm salt water. We know it sounds gross, but this mixture can lessen the bacteria in your mouth and stop your gums from bleeding. Simply add a teaspoon of salt to warm water and rinse your mouth three to four times each day.
• Use hydrogen peroxide. If rinsing with warm salt water doesn’t sound up your alley, try using hydrogen peroxide after you brush. Not only will it disinfect, but it will remove plaque and stop gum bleeding.
• Limit your carbs. Starchy and sugary foods can cause gum disease and cavities because of the components that make it a haven for bacteria to feed off and grow. By reducing your carb and sugar intake, you prevent tooth decay and gum disease, thus eliminating any need for your gums to bleed.
• Use a cold compress. If your gums are bleeding because of an injury, using a cold compress can reduce any swelling and help restrict any blood flow. Follow the 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off rule.
• Drink green tea. Containing the antioxidant, catechin, green tea is a great option for good overall health. It decreases inflammation caused by bacteria in your mouth, and it can reverse periodontal disease!

Bleeding gums should be treated just as seriously as any other oral hygiene problem. By adhering to the tips mentioned and visiting your dentist for regular checkups, you can stop your gums from bleeding and get your oral health back on track. However, if you notice they are continuing to bleed, make an appointment with Dr. DiGrazia to determine the problem and possible treatment options.

About the Practice
At Somerset Dental Arts, we offer our patients a comfortable, state-of-the-art facility with services ranging from regular checkups to tooth replacement and emergency dental care. Dr. DawnMarie DiGrazia and her team are equipped to care for your dental needs using the latest skills and technology. For questions about our services, visit our website or call (908) 722-2999.