Most people will encounter bleeding gums at some point in their lifetime because they are so prevalent. In fact, more than half of people have experienced bleeding gums when brushing their teeth just in the past year.
One of the earliest indications of gum disease is bleeding gums, which should serve as a warning sign that our oral hygiene regimen needs to be altered.
It's alarming to see that too many of us are willing to ignore gum bleeding, according to recent statistics. Nearly one in five (19%) people immediately stop brushing the area where they are bleeding, and almost one in ten (8%) people stop brushing entirely. A little more than one in five people (21%) choose to schedule a dental visit, while more than one in four people (28%) merely ignore the issue completely.
Our gums may bleed, but that doesn't imply we should disregard it just because it seems natural. In fact, the exact reverse. Let’s understand this in deep.
What Do Bleeding Gums Mean?
Problems like bleeding gums may indicate that your gumline needs extra care and attention. Even though you shouldn't be alarmed if you find that your gums are bleeding, you should take steps to stop gum disease from developing into a more severe form. Most frequently, plaque, a bacterial film that forms on the teeth along the gumline or below the gums, causes gingivitis (gum inflammation). Gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss can be caused by plaque bacteria.
The Most Common Reason for Gum Bleeding
Most often, bleeding gums are a result of gingivitis, which is caused by the accumulation of toxic plaque and the millions of bacteria that live in it at or near the gum line. A better dental hygiene regimen may be necessary to help manage gingivitis, a minor form of gum disease. Follow a thorough oral care regimen, including brushing twice daily for at least two minutes and flossing once per day, to help maintain the health of your smile.
Other Causes of Gum Bleeding
Don't disregard the issue if you don't have gingivitis but still have bleeding gums. Following conditions can also result in gingival (gum) bleeding:
- Specific medical conditions or bleeding issues
- Deficits in vitamins
- Pregnancy or a change in hormones
Irrespective of the cause, if you notice such blood in your gums, visit your dentist as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
How to Take Care of Your Bleeding Gums? - Treatment For Bleeding Gums
1. Brush Twice A Day With A Fluoride Toothpaste
There is a reason why this is top on the list. For gum health and to help prevent other oral disorders, we should brush our teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Brush using an electric toothbrush last thing at night and once more during the day for the optimum results.
It is equally crucial to spit out extra toothpaste after brushing and avoid rinsing our mouths with water. The fluoride will remain on our teeth for a longer period of time, providing us with additional protection.
2. Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Your bleeding gums can be caused by poor oral hygiene. Plaque accumulation along the gum line as a result of poor dental hygiene causes gum inflammation. Your teeth and gums develop a sticky film called plaque, which is filled with bacteria. The germs can spread if you don't brush or floss properly, which can cause gum disease or tooth decay.
3. Floss Everyday
One of the most crucial things you can do to stop bleeding gums and keep your mouth healthy is to floss. Plaque and food particles that may be present just below the gumline and cause bleeding and swelling of the gums are removed. Combining traditional floss with a quality flosser can help you thoroughly remove any remaining particles and plaque germs from small crevices.
4. Use Turmeric Paste
Natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects exist in turmeric. Applying a turmeric paste to your gums can reduce the symptoms of gingivitis and stop gum bleeding. Numerous scientific studies have shown that turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects in those who used these gels twice day for about 10 minutes.
5. Try Oil Pulling
An old Ayurvedic practice called oil pulling helps to clear the mouth of microorganisms. For around 20 minutes, you must swish specific kinds of oil around in your mouth. Oil pulling is said to help eliminate microorganisms from the mouth by Ayurvedic practitioners. There are some oils that are naturally antibacterial, including coconut oil. This method, however, is not supported by scientific data.
6. Stop Smoking
Smoking not only doubles your risk of developing gum disease, but it also has a higher rate of progression in smokers than in non-smokers. Smoking can also reduce the amount of oxygen in the circulation, which makes it more challenging for your gums to recover from gum disease-related damage. Additionally, gum disease therapies may not be as successful for smokers as they are for non-smokers.
7. Try to Decrease Stress
It's challenging to avoid stress, but too much of it may increase your risk of gum disease. According to research, psychological stress is not only a risk factor for periodontal disease but also has the capacity to make it worse.
8. Healthy Diet for Healthy Gums
The majority of us are aware that sugary foods and drinks should be avoided since they can cause tooth decay, but maintaining a balanced, healthy diet can also help keep our gums in wonderful shape.
The mouth's first line of defense against germs and plaque development is saliva, which can be improved by consuming a diet high in fiber from fruits and vegetables. Additionally, you should choose foods high in vitamin C, such as oranges, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and peppers, as a vitamin C deficit might raise your risk of gum disease.
9. Regularly Visit Your Dentist
Even conditions other than gingivitis, such weakening tooth enamel, can be caused by harmful plaque bacteria. Plaque and tartar that cannot be removed at home will be removed during the twice-yearly cleaning at your dentist's office. This will maintain your mouth healthy and stop gum bleeding.
Conclusion
When cleaning your teeth or even on its own, gum bleeding is possible. If you see a pink tint in the sink when brushing, you may have bleeding gums. Gums that are swollen or hurting may be a symptom of this. Gum bleeding can be caused by a variety of conditions, including bleeding disorders, vigorous brushing, poor flossing, hormonal changes during pregnancy, and vitamin deficiencies. The collection of plaque at the gum line is the primary cause of bleeding gums. Tartar formation may occur if frequent brushing and flossing are not practiced to maintain good dental health. The only person who can remove tartar is a dental professional.
Simple home care practices like maintaining good oral hygiene, giving up smoking, applying a cold compress, taking vitamin supplements, and scheduling routine dental checkups will help reduce gum bleeding and allow for the timely use of corrective therapies.
Frequently Asked Question
What are Bleeding Gums?
The term "gingiva" or "gums" refers to the soft tissue that lines the inside surface of the mouth. Gum bleeding can be an indication of anything, from a simple issue like brushing too vigorously to something far more serious like diabetes.
Does Diabetes Have a Connection to Bleeding Gums?
Yes, having diabetes can cause symptoms such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Glucose levels in the saliva rise as a result of elevated blood sugar levels. The number of microorganisms also rises when the glucose level climbs. Plaque is produced when food and bacteria interact. Gum disease can occur as a result of this plaque hardening and developing close to your gum line.
What Dietary Modifications can be made to Treat Bleeding Gum?
Healthy dietary habits that include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and limit processed and sugar-containing foods can help manage bleeding gums.
Can Bleeding Gum Lead to Bad Breath?
Red, puffy, and bleeding gums might be a sign of gingivitis (inflamed gums). This might result in unpleasant breath.
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