Imagine this: you are brushing your teeth, and when you spit the toothpaste out, you notice that there is blood in it. This is pretty common. Your friends may be experiencing it, too. It’s good to know what causes this, how to recognize the signs and symptoms and how best to prevent bleeding gums. This article will teach you everything you need to know to get rid of the condition for life.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Bleeding gums are actually the first and foremost sign of gum disease. They can also be caused by some other factors, such as:
- Medical conditions like leukemia and hemophilia
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Dentures
- Vitamin K and vitamin C deficiencies
- Periodontitis, which occurs when gingivitis is left untreated and continues to an advanced stage. Furthermore, this may also lead to infection of the jaw and gums, and may cause the teeth to loosen or fall out.
- Gingivitis, which occurs when you aren’t maintaining good oral hygiene. This may result in plaque build-up in the gum line, which may lead to bleeding and inflammation of the gums.
Since bleeding gums may also be a result of a more serious condition, you should never ignore it.
Signs and Symptoms of Bleeding Gums
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of the bleeding gums:
- Sore and bleeding gums
- Pus formation around the teeth and gums
- Loosening teeth
- Lingering bad taste in the mouth or bad breath
- Gums receding from the teeth
- Red and swollen gums
If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, there is a high risk that you have bleeding gums. If you do notice blood, the first thing you should do is check your oral hygiene routine and remove any of the plaque built up around your teeth. Next, you can try some home remedies.
Home Remedies for Bleeding Gums
Here are some of the best home remedies for bleeding gums:
Lemon juice. Due to the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of lemon juice, it helps effectively treat bleeding gums.
Cayenne pepper. The capsaicin in the cayenne pepper is effective in relieving pain and reducing the swelling and infection.
Milk. The high amounts of vitamin K and calcium in milk help make the gums stronger and stop bleeding. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory properties help treat the condition.
Tea bags. The tannic acid in the tea has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This is beneficial in stopping the bleeding and killing the bacteria that causes the condition.
Honey. The antibacterial properties of honey are beneficial in treating infections like gingivitis, which causes the mouth to bleed. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce swelling and inflammation.
Salt. Salt has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and inflammation. Furthermore, it also helps combat the infections that cause gums to bleed.
Vitamins. Increasing your intake of foods in rich in vitamins like vitamin K and vitamin C may help get rid of the condition. Check with your doctor first to see if you really have deficiencies in either of these vitamins.
Toothpaste. Having proper oral hygiene is very important in getting rid of bleeding gums. An effective toothpaste may kill the bacteria present in the gums and clear the tartar and plaque in the teeth.
Coconut oil. Coconut oil has healing properties, so it is beneficial in treating bleeding gums. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce inflammation in the gums.
Tips to Prevent Bleeding Gums
- Eat garlic, ginger, soy, green tea, cranberries and yogurt.
- Quit smoking cigarettes and tobacco.
- Always floss your teeth to remove plaque.
- Avoid harshly brushing your teeth. This may damage the gum’s soft tissues.
- Pick a brush with soft or medium bristles.
- Brush your teeth twice every day, and definitely after a meal.
Most cases of bleeding gums can be solved with proper treatment and medication, as long as they’re not caused by a more serious underlying condition. You should always consult your doctor if it’s particularly persistent.
