5 Effective Ways to Stop Bleeding Gums by Dr Shruti Malik

If you find that your gums are bleeding when you brush or floss, this indicates that there is more going on than what meets the eye. In fact, 80% of people who have this symptom go on to develop gum disease in the next five years Certain things can contribute to bleeding gums when we brush. While it may seem odd, suppressing a cough or brushing right after eating can aggravate gum disease. Identifying the cause of bleeding gums is key to determining the most appropriate treatment. Once you know the cause, you can choose among these 5 possible ways to remedy your situation:

1. Practice good oral hygiene:
   Your gums become inflamed and bleed when there is a buildup of plaque along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria that covers your teeth and gums. If you don’t brush or floss enough, the bacteria can spread and cause tooth decay or gum disease. To improve your oral hygiene, brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once a day.

2. Stop Smoking:
   Smoking has long been thought to contribute to a wide range of health concerns including death, heart disease and stroke. Compelling proof has shown an effect of dental implications as well, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Trusted Source. “Smoking alters saliva,’ quoted by several dentists. Smoking can lower your body’s immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off plaque bacteria. This can lead to gum disease. Imagine you’re chewing on cardboard all day instead of fresh apples.

3. Rinse your mouth with salt water:
   Because bacteria and inflammation in the mouth cause gum disease, regularly rinsing your mouth with a mixture of hot salt water can reduce gum inflammation and fight off further infections from occurring.

4. Eat tooth-healthy foods:
   Eating foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin K can strengthen your immune system, keeping you healthy and preventing gum disease. Vitamin K is an important nutrient because it helps your blood clot. A deficiency can cause easy bleeding. Sources of vitamin C: citrus fruits such as orange, peppers, strawberries. Sources of vitamin K include Kale, Spinach, Lettuce, Fish.

5. Drink fluoridated water:
   Drinking fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and reduces cavities (also called tooth decay) by about 25% in children and adults. A Reverse Osmosis (RO) system can remove 85-92% of fluoride in your water. While the water control authorities are responsible for adjusting the fluoride levels in the water to prevent tooth decay. Drinking water partially filtered can reduce tooth decay.

When to see a doctor?
See a dentist if bleeding from your gums does not improve within 7 to 10 days. Depending on the severity, you may require anything from topical rinse treatments to deep cleanings and vitamin supplements. Book your appointment with the best and most experienced endodontist in Delhi, Dr Shruti Malik at Radix Healthcare. Call us on 1800-120-5457 or visit https://radixhealthcare.org/doctors/dr-shruti-malik/