Bleeding gums have a few different causes, some more serious than others, and solutions to the problem are directly tied to the cause. For example, if your gums bleed because you brush or floss too aggressively, changing your hygiene habits should cause the gums to stop bleeding. On the other hand, if your gums bleed because they are inflamed or infected, more comprehensive approaches are required to stop the bleeding and, ideally, restore the gums and oral cavity to health. Even in these cases, however, the source of bleeding gums may not be clear, as gingival inflammation can have a few different causes. Ultimately, if your gums bleed consistently, whether while brushing and flossing or not, you should make an appointment with your dentist for an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan.
In between dental appointments, the best way to reduce the likelihood of bleeding gums is by routinely, correctly brushing and flossing the teeth. If overly enthusiastic hygiene habits are contributing to your bleeding gums, your dental hygienist can review proper brushing and flossing techniques with you, ensuring that you’re not brushing too hard or flossing with too much force. Maintaining effective oral hygiene also helps reduce the risks of gum disease, an inflammatory condition that’s a common culprit in cases of bleeding gums. While vigorous brushing and flossing can contribute to bleeding gums, effective brushing and flossing are integral to the prevention of gum disease, which is caused by the buildup of destructive bacteria on the teeth at and below the gum line. When combined with routine dental checkups, these methods are among the most effective ways to prevent bleeding gums. Because hormone fluctuations can also contribute to gum inflammation, people who are pregnant should take extra care to brush and floss properly and work with their dentist to protect the health and integrity of their gums and teeth.
In between dental visits, you may find relief from bleeding gums by rinsing your mouth out with a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution, which helps remove plaque while disinfecting the mouth and relieving bleeding. In fact, studies indicate that people who rinse with a hydrogen peroxide solution after brushing have less inflammation than those who don’t. If you do choose to use a hydrogen peroxide solution, though, make sure not to swallow it. Some studies also indicate that drinking green tea can help with systemic inflammation, including inflammation in the gums, and rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can also help reduce bacteria while soothing inflamed or injured gums.
If your gums are bleeding due to injury, see your dentist or other medical provider as soon as you can, and use a cold compress or cool cloth to staunch bleeding in the interim. Other factors that contribute to gum disease and can lead to bleeding gums include lifestyle choices like an imbalanced diet that’s low in certain vitamins or overly high in starches, smoking, and high stress levels. You and your health providers can discuss ways to address these adverse factors, reducing the likelihood of gum disease while supporting overall health. If you have bleeding gums that persist for a week or more, see your dentist for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan, and follow their recommendations for restoring the health of your gums.