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According to the CDC, approximately 46% of all adults over the age of 30 display evidence of gum disease; approximately 9% of adults suffer from severe gum disease.
Fortunately, the good news is that the majority of gum diseases can be treated naturally at home.
Bleeding gums are the initial symptom of gum diseases, including gingivitis, and more serious periodontitis.
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What causes bleeding gums?
There are several causes of gum bleeding. Most gums bleed as a result of oral health problems. However, gums bleeding can also be a sign of other underlying medical conditions such as:
- Constant smoking
- Poor oral hygiene
- Gingivitis (this is an early-stage gum disease)
- Trench mouth (severe gum disease)
- Periodontitis (moderate to severe gum disease)
Other causes of gum bleeding include:
- Oral herpes
- Stress
- Leukemia
- HIV/AIDS
- Diabetes
- Hormone
- Hemophilia
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Pernicious anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Von Willebrand disease
- Vitamin K deficiency
- Blood-thinning medications
Bleeding gums without brushing
If you have extremely sensitive gums due to gum disease, eating food can be enough to make your gums bleed – especially if it’s crunchy or hard.
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Another cause of bleeding, inflammation, or swelling between teeth is when some food gets stuck between your teeth. This often means that your gum only bleeds around one tooth.
If you’re unable to remove any food with a flosser (water flossers are best to avoid pushing food down further), it’s a good idea to speak to your dentist.
If you’re particularly prone to gums bleeding, especially at night, it’s likely that you’re grinding your teeth, which is known as bruxism.
What if you’re bleeding randomly? It’s concerning that your gums don’t just bleed randomly, and it’s not a sign of healthy gums
Bleeding gums during pregnancy
Swelling or bleeding of the gums is very common during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.
The hormonal changes that occur around this time stimulate the growth of bacteria in the mouth and make the gum tissue more susceptible to infection.
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No matter how good your oral hygiene is and how healthy your gums are, you are at a higher risk of developing what’s commonly referred to as ‘Pregnancy Gingivitis’.
If you’re already suffering from gum disease at the time of pregnancy, you’re at an even higher risk of developing periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease during pregnancy has been associated with low birth weight (LWB), preterm birth (PRB), and pre-eclampsia (PE).
To prevent gum disease and bleeding during pregnancy:
- Brush twice daily and floss daily.
- Visit your dentist for regular dental cleanings.
- Ensure you are getting adequate amounts of vitamin A, calcium, and D, as well as protein and phosphorus from your diet.
- Tell your dentist if you are pregnant or expecting so they can provide you with appropriate care and advice.
Baby, toddler, or child bleeding gums
When you notice bleeding from your child’s or baby’s gums, it’s even more concerning than when it’s coming from your mouth.
First of all, babies and toddlers like to put things in their mouths. It’s easy for a small injury to cause bleeding from their gums.
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However, if you notice bleeding in your child’s gums along the gumline, or if your child has red and sore gums around their teeth, it is likely to be one of the following:
- Kids can get sores or bleeding in their gums if they don’t brush their teeth properly, just like adults.
- You might also notice their gums going away and bad breath. If that happens, you can fix it with a toothbrush, but if you brush too hard, it can damage their gums.
- Use gentle pressure and keep brushing until they’re six or seven.
As soon as your baby has their first tooth, it’s a good idea to take them to the dentist for regular checkups.
Not only will this allow your child’s dentist to spot any potential issues early on, but it also helps them get used to going to the dentist, making it less of a scary experience when they’re older.
12 Expert Tips To Treat Bleeding Gums Naturally At Home
Here are some effective natural ways to stop gum bleeding and stop it from coming back:
1. Using ice
Use a cool compress, a small ice pack, or an ice cube to gently massage swollen bleeding gums.
Ice packs are especially useful for minor mouth wounds that cause swelling, like cuts or scrapes.
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Ice packs can also help reduce gingivitis, a condition that causes swelling and pain.
Ice packs should be used for 10 – 12 minutes in a row and then taken 10 – 12 minutes apart.
If the bleeding doesn’t stop, some patients may need to call a doctor.
2. Use gauze
As with any type of bleeding, if you hold a wet gauze over the bleeding area, the bleeding will stop.
However, if you have a history of bleeding gums, you should see your dentist immediately.
3. Use saltwater mouthwash
Add 1 teaspoon of sea salt with warm water in a small clean bowl and gently stir to dissolve salt. Tap the salt in the mouth for 25 – 30 seconds and spit it out. Repeat 5 times a day.
Do this twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime.
Saltwater helps reduce swelling in your gums and can help stop bleeding. It also creates a very alkaline temporary space inside your mouth, making it harder for bacteria to survive.
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4. Use a turmeric paste
Turmeric has natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to treat gingivitis or bleeding gums by applying a turmeric paste on the gums.
However, no reliable scientific evidence exists to suggest that turmeric has any effect on gum disease or gingivitis.
In a small-scale study, curcumin (the active ingredient of turmeric) and a chlorhexidine (the active ingredient in chlorhexidine) were compared to each other for oral hygiene.
The results showed that chlorhexidine had a similar anti-inflammatory effect in people who used oral hygiene gels (10 minutes a day, twice a day) for 10 days.
Although turmeric is yellow, it should not stain your teeth as long as you rinse thoroughly after using it.
Many people use turmeric to whiten their teeth, especially when mixed with baking soda. Unfortunately, there is no proof that this remedy is effective.
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5. Use tea bags
Gently place the tea bag in the boiling water. Boil the water for 4 minutes. Remove the tea bag from the boiling water. Let the tea bag cool.
Apply the tea bag to the affected part of the gums. Allow to stand for 6 min. Tea has tannic acids which can help treat gum infections.
6. Apply alcohol-free mouthwash
Mouthwash is one of the best ways to reduce gingival hyperplasia, which leads to bleeding in the gums, as well as bacteria in the mouth.
7. Eat enough vegetables
Eating crunchy vegetables like celery and carrots in between meals helps remove food waste from your teeth, which helps prevent gum disease.
Eating crunchy veggies also helps produce saliva, which helps cleanse your mouth.
Eating crunchy veggies can help prevent tooth decay, as they contain low levels of sugar and carbohydrates.
8. Using the right toothbrush
If your gums are sensitive, you can get an extra soft toothbrush or one labeled as extra sensitive. A firm or medium toothbrush can be too hard on your gums.
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The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (ADA) suggests using a soft toothbrush for 2 minutes, twice a day, and replacing it every 3-4 months or sooner if your toothbrush’s bristles are frayed.
They also suggest using a manual or electric toothbrush, both of which are effective.
9. Eat more green leafy vegetables
If you have a vitamin K deficiency, it could take longer for your blood to clot properly. This could be why it takes longer for bleeding in your gums to stop.
Eating lots of green leafy veggies like spinach, kale, and lettuce is a great way to get your vitamin K.
10. Apply honey
First thing in the morning, rinse your mouth with some warm water and give your gums a gentle massage with honey for 10 – 15 minutes.
Honey is great for this because it contains a compound called propolis that helps keep your mouth antibacterial and clean.
Just make sure you only use honey on your gums, not on your teeth – especially if you’ve got cavities since that can cause pain.
11. Stay away from processed and sugary foods
Eating too much starchy, processed food can lead to gingivitis or bleeding in your gums.
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Sugary or starchy foods stick to your teeth and gums, and they break down into sugar, which can cause inflammation, bleeding, and more decay.
Examples of starchy foods include bread, cake, cookie dough, and potato chips.
12. Avoiding smoking
According to the CDC, if you smoke, you’re more likely to get gum disease. Smoking makes it harder for your body to fight off bacteria that stick to your gums, and once they’re damaged, it’s even more difficult for your body to heal.
But don’t worry – quitting smoking can be a great way to improve your oral health. People often see a big difference in their mouth and gums right away after quitting.
When to Call the Doctor
It’s normal for bleeding gums to stop on their own, but if it’s still going on after two weeks, it’s time to see a dentist or your primary care doctor. They’ll either suggest treatment for bleeding gums (like a root canal) or check for any other underlying issues.
FAQs Related To How To Treat Bleeding Gums Naturally
What is the fastest way to stop bleeding gums?
A cold compress is the fastest way to stop bleeding gums
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How do you stop gum bleeding naturally?
Gently apply a cold compress
What herbal remedy is good for bleeding gums?
If you’re looking to improve your gum health, try adding some natural herbs like cloves and turmeric to your routine.
Can salt stop bleeding?
Yes. Salt absorbs blood, which speeds up the healing process of an open wound by allowing it to dry, close, and heal.
What causes gum bleeding?
Plaque buildup at the gum line is the main thing that causes bleeding gums.
Can garlic stop bleeding gums?
Yes. This remedy can help stop bleeding in your gums if you use it on a regular basis. Mix half a garlic clove with 1 teaspoon of raw honey and rub it on your gums.
What vitamin is needed for bleeding gums?
Vitamin K
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How does warm salt water help gums?
It helps get rid of plaque and bacteria that build up in the teeth and gums.
Is saltwater good for bleeding gums?
Yes. It helps to reduce swelling and irritation in the gum tissue and also helps to get rid of any infection, so the gums can start to heal.
Does honey stop bleeding gums?
Yes. Honey can be used to treat a variety of gum conditions, like gum inflammation, gum bleeds, and gum loss.
Can I brush my teeth with salt everyday?
No. Brushing your teeth with salt everyday can cause holes in your teeth. Brushing your teeth with salt 2 times can help protect your gums and keep your teeth healthy. Salt is also known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
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What antibiotic is good for bleeding gums?
Antibiotics such as minocycline, tetracycline hydrochloride, and doxycycline
A Word From GetMe Treated
We hope this information “12 expert tips to treat bleeding gums naturally at home” helps you figure out how to stop bleeding gums and make better oral health choices so you can keep your gums and teeth healthy.