There are a number of reasons you may experience bleeding gum tissue, some of which are temporary and the bleeding will stop on its own without intervention from your dentist. This is common when a new flossing routine is started; the gum tissue is not used to the floss but as you continue, the gum tissue will become healthier and able to withstand flossing without bleeding.
Others may experience bleeding that persists beyond a week or two at which point, a visit to the dentist is absolutely necessary. Bleeding gums can be a symptom of an underlying medical issue or of advanced gums disease. If your dentist is unable to locate the cause of your bleeding gums, they may advise a trip to your general doctor.
How to Stop Bleeding Gums
If bleeding is severe and persistent longer than a couple of weeks, you need to see your dentist. If it is occasional or you just started a new flossing routine, there are a few things you can try at home to soothe and treat bleeding gums.
Oral hygiene: Good, consistent oral hygiene is the best way to prevent dental issues altogether, especially gum disease and bleeding gums. Caught early, gingivitis can usually be corrected and the negative impact reversed with a deep cleaning by your dental office. It is often necessary to follow up a deep cleaning with more frequent maintenance cleanings as well as improved oral hygiene.
Without treatment, gingivitis will turn into full blow periodontitis. When plaque and bacteria are not regularly removed with brushing and flossing, dental decay can begin to eat away at tooth structure and the gum tissue can start to recede from the tooth surface, exposing tooth roots and causing a significant amount of sensitivity.
Mouthwash and Saltwater
Mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine can be used as a disinfectant and are both effective in plaque removal. They also promote gum health and can stop bleeding with a simple rinse after brushing and flossing!
Because bacteria and inflammation in the mouth causes gum disease, regularly rinsing your mouth with a mixture of warm salt water will also reduce bacteria and stop gum bleeding. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth for a few seconds, three to four times a day. If bleeding is from an injury or trauma, rinsing with a salt water mixture also keeps your mouth clean and removes bacteria that could cause an infection in the injury.
Cold Compress
Bleeding gums are not always a result of gum disease. Your gums can bleed from trauma or injury to the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. A cold compress applied to the affected area can reduce swelling and restrict blood flow to stop bleeding. Clean, damp gauze can also be used to apply pressure to the area to help stop the blood flow.
Depending on the cause and severity of bleeding gums, it is important to identify the cause as soon as possible to make sure there is nothing lurking about!