Over years of my experience, one of the most common dental complaints my patients tell me is “My gums bleed while brushing, sometimes if not everyday”. Are these bleeding gums normal? Not really. But the good news is, it takes awareness and only a few simple steps to take care of bleeding gums before it turns into something serious. In this blog, I’ll share everything you need to know about bleeding gums right from causes to simple natural home remedies to science backed latest research and my dentist approved home routine.
Table of Contents
WHY DO YOUR GUMS BLEED? (Bet you don't know all of these)
- Plaque and tartar Build up- specially in areas where your brush can’t reach (most common)
- Mouthbreathing – because of dry mouth and less saliva protection
- Crooked teeth- due to thin gums in areas where teeth are crooked.
- Nutritional deficiencies – mainly vitamin C and vitamin K
- Certain medicines (like blood thinners, oral contraceptives and even medicines for high blood pressure and epilepsy)-
- Hormonal changes especially in women during periods, pregnancy and menopause
- Rare causes ( Blood disorders, infections)
BLEEDING GUMS TREATMENT
MY 5 STEP DENTIST APPROVED PLAN :
Step 1 : Professional Scaling and Clean up
It is by far the most efficient way to treat bleeding gums. It involves using a vibrating Ultrasonic tip along with water spray to remove all the tartar accumulated around the teeth and gums. This immediately brings down the gum swelling which stops them from bleeding.
Step 2 : Follow at home Daily Mechanical cleaning
Morning routine :
- Correct brushing technique for 1.5 mins using soft brush.
- Tongue cleaning with a tongue scraper
Night routine :
- Floss before brushing for removing food particles ( tight gaps)
- Use interdental brushes for teeth with big gaps (before brushing)
- Correct brushing technique- Bass brushing method (last step)
Step 3 : Short-term medicines /chemicals to use only if required
- Antiseptic mouthwashes like chlorhex, betadine for a maximum of 7-10 days only due to side effects from prolonged use
- Massage with antiseptic ointments for supportive therapy again only for 7-10 days as instructed.
Step 4 : Lifestyle and Diet check
- Correct nutritional deficiencies like Vitamin C or Vitamin K
- Incorporate foods rich in vitamin C, K and Omega 3
- Lifestyle changes like INCREASED HYDRATION AND
MANAGING STRESS which has a direct co-relation with
bleeding gums.
Step 5 : Follow ups
- Weekly home check to see a reduction in bleeding gums while brushing
- 3-6 monthly follow up with the dentist to ensure oral hygiene measures are followed
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR BLEEDING GUMS THAT ACTUALLY WORK
The truth is that all natural remedies only work well long term as adjuncts with good mechanical cleaning protocols.
- Salt water Rinses : The best way to treat bleeding gums at home is to make salt water solution using half cup warm water and half tsp salt and rinsing with this solution for about 1 min before spitting. This protocol thrice a day for 10 days is very helpful to treat. Bleeding gums provided the tartar has been removed professionally.
- Gums Massage : Using aloevera gel or vitamin E capsules- twice a day for 10 days. Specifically massage pressing the gums towards the teeth in a gums-to-teeth motion.
- Herbal extracts/ Tooth powders / Oil pulling/ clove oil / Turmeric paste : Although these home remedies have shown results to fix bleeding gums, there is NOT ENOUGH SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE TO PROVE the long term use of these remedies in treatment of bleeding gums. Hence its not my recommended option to rely on.
CONCLUSION
Bleeding gums is always an early sign of gum disease. The earlier the treatment the better the results. Unfortunately, once the gums recede because of gum disease it is very difficult to bring them back with any gum surgery. Gums form the backbone and foundation of teeth. If the gums weaken, you can lose your teeth early on. Hence my biggest take away with scientific evidence based experience would be to focus mainly on a good oral hygiene routine for bleeding gums. Go for your regular dental clean ups followed by good maintenance and a natural protocol keeping chemicals away. This is the best way in my opinion to say a final goodbye to bleeding gums!!
If you notice excessive bleeding, swelling, or loose teeth, don’t delay. Contact Plexus for bleeding gum treatment and get immediate professional help.”