Learn More About Bleeding Gums

Several reasons can cause your gums to bleed. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Sign of gingivitis.
  Bleeding gums can be an indicator of minor, early-stage gum disease, called gingivitis. It occurs when plaque forms on your teeth and along the gumline. If this buildup of plaque isn’t removed through brushing and flossing, it can infect the gum tissue and lead to gum inflammation, swelling, and tenderness, and increase the risk of gingival bleeding tendency.
  
  
• Blood thinner medicines.
  Taking blood thinning medication can affect your blood’s ability to form clots. As a result, you’re at risk of bleeding more easily.
  
  
• Harsh brushing.
  Some may think that they need to brush their teeth vigorously to get deep cleaning. Unfortunately, this may only lead to hurting your gum tissues and cause bleeding.
  
  
• Flossing routine.
  If you’re new to flossing, it’s normal for your gums to bleed after the first few times. But this should stop after a few days of regularly doing the habit.
  
  
• Ill-fitting dentures.
  Wearing dentures that don’t fit comfortably can irritate your gums and cause them to bleed.
  
  
• Certain health conditions.
  In other cases, gingival bleeding could be caused by a medical condition or lack of vitamin.

Minor gingival bleeding that results from incidents like hard tooth brushing and flossing and happens occasionally may not be typically alarming. 

But persistent and frequent gum bleeding may be a symptom of a developing form of gum disease that can lead to more severe complications. In such cases, it requires immediate oral care, and professional help at the dental clinic is highly advised.

You can continue brushing and flossing your teeth unless there is physical damage to your gums. Thoroughly check your mouth for any areas of bleeding and see if there’s a wound where the bleeding comes from. 

If there is, you can avoid those spots until they heal. See a dentist if gingival bleeding persists and have them check your gum health and provide necessary treatment.

In most cases, gingival bleeding can be managed at home with a few simple methods:

• Practise good oral hygiene.
  To prevent gum bleeding and keep your dental health in good condition, it’s essential to brush your teeth twice a day and floss between them daily. This habit can reduce plaque buildup, which is one of the main causes of irritating the gums.
  
  
• Use warm saltwater.
  Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water may help to alleviate the discomfort and reduce bacteria.
  
  
• Use a clean gauze pad.
  You can apply pressure to the affected area with clean, damp gauze. Gently press firmly on your gum to help control the bleeding.
  
  
• Cold compress.
  If your gums are bleeding due to trauma or an injury, it’s essential to restrict blood flow to the area. Do this by applying an ice pack or a cold cloth to your gums several times a day for a couple of minutes each time.
  
  
• Use mouthwash.
  Rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria and ease swelling gums.