How to stop bleeding gums?

Tips to treat gingivitis naturally

Bleeding from the gums is usually a sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), Healthy gums are pale and firm, but diseased gums may become purplish-red, swollen, and shiny, and bleed when you brush your teeth. Your breath may smell unpleasant. The cause is usually a build-up of plaque ( a deposit formed from food particles, saliva, and bacteria) at the base of the teeth due to poor oral hygiene. Bleeding gums can also be due to vigorous brushing or poorly fitting dentures. You may be prone to them during pregnancy or if you take certain drugs.

Arrange to see your dentist or doctor if:

* You have toothache or loose teeth

* You bruise easily and feel tired and weak

* You are taking a prescribed medicine, such as an anticoagulant, that may cause
bleeding gums. Don’t stop taking prescribed medicine without consulting your doctor

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE

Oral hygiene
The following oral hygiene routine helps to reduce the risk of gum disease and prevent tooth decay. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months. Clean between your teeth with dental floss or tape. There are many types available; tape may be more comfortable for your gums.

* Brush your teeth before going to bed and when you get up in the morning or after breakfast. Use fluoride toothpaste and a small, soft-bristled brush. Brush all the surfaces of your teeth, especially where they meet the gums, using short, vertical or circular strokes.

* Use dental tape or floss once a day to get rid of plaque between your teeth and at the gum line. Wind a piece around one finger of each hand. Keeping it taut, move it up and down the side of a tooth, going slightly below the gum line. Repeat, using fresh pieces, for every tooth.

What you can do yourself
Use these measures to help your gums heal and prevent more serious damage to gums and teeth.

* If bleeding is profuse, try pressing a piece of gauze or cotton wool soaked in ice-cold water on your gums for a few minutes.

* Practice good oral hygiene (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, right). Brush your teeth gently using a new, soft-bristled brush, making sure you don’t scratch your gums. Use dental tape or floss, or a tapered interdental brush (which looks like a tiny bottlebrush), to clean between your teeth.

* Don’t use toothpicks to clean between your teeth, because they can injure your gums.

* Stop smoking, because tobacco smoke aggravates bleeding gums.

Seek further medical advice

Arrange to see your dentist or doctor if:

* Your gums are still bleeding after you have tried the above measures for 7-10 days

* You have any other symptoms