10 Ways to Stop Bleeding Gums

10 Ways to Stop Bleeding Gums Created By : Amanda Dejesus

1. Using Gauze • As with bleeding anywhere else on the body, people can help stop the bleeding by immediately holding a clean, damp gauze against the affected area. • Gently press the gauze in place until the blood has stopped flowing. • People with a weakened immune system or another medical condition may find that their gums take a long time to stop bleeding. Speak to a dentist about the best way to stop the blood flow.

2. Using ice • Hold a cool compress, a small ice pack, or an ice cube against swollen, bleeding gums to help soothe them. • Ice packs are especially helpful to soothe minor mouth injuries that cause swelling, such as cuts and scrapes. They can also help reduce pain and swelling caused by gingivitis. • Use ice for 10 minutes at a time and take 10-minute breaks. If the bleeding does not stop, some people may consider calling a doctor.

3. Using mouthwash • Antibacterial mouthwashes can both treat and prevent bleeding gums. They kill bacteria and reduce inflammation to soothe sore, swollen, and bleeding gums. • Mouthwash can also treat and prevent gingivitis, which is a common cause of bleeding gums. • Common active ingredients in mouthwashes include: • Chlorohexidine • Hydrogen peroxide • Keep mouthwash on hand to treat bleeding gums when they occur.

4. Using a warm salt rinse • Rinsing the mouth with salt water can help reduce bacteria and speed up healing times. A person can make an oral salt rinse by adding half a teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water. Swish the salt rinse around the mouth to cleanse the area and then spit the liquid out. Repeat this several times a day, or according to instructions from your dentist.

5. Applying a turmeric paste • Turmeric has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Applying a turmeric paste to the gums may improve the symptoms of gingivitis and bleeding gums. However, there is currently no reliable scientific evidence that states turmeric has any effect on gum disease or bleeding gums. One small-scale study compared the effects of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, with the effects of chlorhexidine in oral hygiene. The researchers found similar anti-inflammatory effects in people who used these gels for 10 minutes a day twice a day. Turmeric is yellow, but it should not stain a person’s teeth as long as they rinse well after using it. Some people use turmeric as a tooth whitening agent, especially when combined with baking soda. However, there is no evidence for this remedy’s effectiveness.

7. Flossing every day, but be gentle • Starting a new flossing habit can cause bleeding at first. The gums may not be used to the stimulation. However, after a few days of consistent flossing, the bleeding should stop. • Regular flossing improves overall gum health and should reduce gum bleeding over time.

8. Avoiding smoking • Smoking is a major cause of gum disease. Smoking harms the body’s immune system, meaning the body is less able to fight off the bacteria that naturally stick to the gums. • Once the gums are damaged, smoking makes it harder for the body to heal its tissues. • Quitting smoking benefits the whole body, and greatly increases the health of a person’s mouth and gums. People often notice improvements in their oral health quickly after stopping smoking.

9. Trying oil pulling • Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic medicine practice. It involves swishing a specific oil in the mouth for up to 20 minutes, then spitting it out. Proponents claim that it can whiten teeth and improve oral health. It for dental hygiene because there is a lack of scientific evidence into its effectiveness. Experts suggest that oil pulling cannot replace regular brushing and flossing.

10. Avoiding processed and sugary foods • Eating starchy, processed foods too frequently may cause gingivitis and bleeding gums. • Starchy foods can stick to teeth and gums and break down into sugar. This action can lead to inflammation of the gums, bleeding, and an increase in decay. • Starchy, processed foods include refined bread, cakes, cookies, and potato chips.

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