The taste of blood in your mouth after brushing your teeth can make you gag. Try these methods to treat bleeding gums when brushing your teeth.
In 2017, 64% of adults in the United States visited a dental clinic. The recommended frequency of oral checkup is at least two times in a year. You don’t have to wait for extreme gum disease symptoms to seek treatment.
Bleeding gums is one of the most common oral health problems. In its mild form, gum bleeding should not cause panic. Yet, failure to improve your oral hygiene or see a dentist can lead to severe gum diseases.
Bleeding when flossing or brushing your teeth is an unpleasant experience. The taste of blood in your mouth after brushing your teeth can make you gag. Try these methods to treat bleeding gums when brushing your teeth.
1. Improve Your Oral Hygiene
If your gums have been bleeding, it’s probably time to assess your oral hygiene practices. Gum inflammation mainly results from plaque buildup along the gum. Failure to floss and brush adequately leads to the spread of bacteria, leading to gum disease and tooth decay.
You can improve your oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day. Ensure that you brush gently to avoid hurting your gums. The right toothpaste and toothbrush are a prerequisite for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums.
Floss once a day and oil pull as necessary. Removing the bacteria between your teeth is an essential practice. Regular dental checkups are also necessary for the early detection of gum diseases.
2. A Healthy Diet
Your diet determines if you’ll have bleeding gums when brushing. If you’re a sweet tooth, the sugary stuff you indulge in is to blame for bleeding gums. The sugar you consume in foods is ideal for plaque formation.
Simple carbohydrates are also culprits in gum bleeding. You can take sweets and simple carbs in moderation. Ensure that you brush your teeth after that to prevent the sugar from sticking.
Bleeding gums can be a manifestation of Vitamin K and Vitamin C deficiencies. If you’re confident that your oral care is spectacular, check the Vitamins K and C levels. You will need to increase the intake of foods rich in both vitamins.
Most of the leafy greens such as spinach, kales, and watercress are great sources of Vitamin K. You can get Vitamin C from a range of citrus fruits, potatoes, and broccoli. Include crunchy vegetables such as carrots to help remove debris from teeth.
3. Use Hydrogen Peroxide
If you’ve been using hydrogen peroxide solely for cuts, you’re missing out on the indispensable dental benefits of this solution. Hydrogen peroxide on gums can reduce plaque. It kills the bacteria that cause gum diseases.
The anaerobic bacteria between your teeth can’t survive the oxygen released by hydrogen peroxide. The solution further destroys the plaque barrier. Once you apply hydrogen peroxide, 10 minutes are enough to regain your healthy smile.
Don’t wait to have gum disease to use hydrogen peroxide. Applying the solution can reverse early gum infection. Use a soft-bristled brush to apply the hydrogen peroxide, rinse and floss your teeth.
Consult with your dentist before using higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Avoid ingesting the product. If unsure of how to go about using hydrogen peroxide for bleeding gums treatment, seek clarity from a professional.
4. Cold Compress
Gum diseases can increase the risk of hypertension by up to 20%. For most people, gum diseases can be a source of stress and discomfort. A cold compress might offer a temporary solution.
A cold compress is one of the treatments of the bleeding gums that can give you instant relief. This option applies when the gum bleeds out of injury or trauma. It is ineffective when dealing with advanced gum disease.
Applying a cold compress on the gum line reduces swelling. It further stops the gum from bleeding because of blood flow restriction. If you have recurring bleeding gums when brushing, you can apply a cold cloth or an ice pack several times a day.
5. Check Your Toothbrush
When was the last time you changed your toothbrush? Well, most dental professionals recommend a change of toothbrush every three months. You shouldn’t wait for the bristles to fray.
Hard toothbrush bristles hurt your gums. Getting the right toothbrush is one of the inexpensive treatment measures that can prevent bleeding gums. Your toothbrush should have soft and blunt bristles to prevent enamel agitation.
Brush your teeth through gentle circular motions to prevent gum erosion. Vigorous front and back motions can cause further bleeding.
6. Take Green Tea
Bleeding gums without brushing or when brushing can be confusing. It is crucial to adopt healthy lifestyles, such as drinking green tea daily. The catechin in green tea can stop gum inflammation and bleeding, besides reversing periodontal disease.
A worry related to the regular consumption of green tea is teeth staining. Yet, there is no conclusive evidence on the adverse effects of green tea intake. In fact, green tea has overall health effects on your body.
7. Visit a Dentist
Bleeding gums when brushing necessitate the attention of a dentist. While cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile, you should seek professional dental care when your gums start to bleed. A dentist will examine you to diagnose any case of advanced periodontitis.
A visit to the dentist can give you alternative treatments such as deep cleaning, laser dentistry, or periodontal surgery. Deep cleaning removes tartar, leading to gum healing. A lab test can also identify any case of vitamin deficiencies that cause your gums to bleed.
Home remedies should not substitute medical advice. Ensure that you visit your dentist when gum bleeding seems persistent. Don’t ignore gum bleeding that takes more than ten days.
Bleeding Gums When Brushing Requires the Attention of a Dentist
For most people, bleeding gums when brushing is a normal occurrence. Yet, the condition can be a sign of progressing periodontal disease. Besides practicing oral hygiene practices, see a dentist.
Most of the stages of periodontitis are irreversible. Once your dentist detects the gum bleeding, early treatment can save you the trauma. An adverse effect on your smile can hinder the quality of your life.
For all your dental needs, contact us today.