Are Bleeding Gums Serious?

Everyone experiences bleeding in their gums every once in a while and typically, it is not a serious issue. If you notice a pink tinge when you rinse after brushing and flossing, you may have simply irritated your gum tissue. Occasional, minor bleeding can usually be treated at home on your own but more severe or persistent bleeding should be addressed by your dentist.

There are a number of reasons that one may experience bleeding in their gum tissue including: poor oral hygiene, certain medications, and gum disease. Medications that can promote bleeding include aspirin and blood thinners. Patients may also experience bleeding if the bristles on their toothbrush are too hard or are worn and no longer clean effectively. When plaque is not removed regularly and properly, it can harden into tartar and continue to grow and accumulate bacteria along and under the gum line which can lead to inflammation and even gum recession.

How can I stop bleeding gums?

Simply improving your oral hygiene routine with proper brushing and flossing at least twice a day can greatly improve any issues with bleeding gums. If you do find that you experience occasional minor bleeding, there are a few steps that you can do at home to stop bleeding and prevent it in the future. Let's take a look!

Oral Hygiene

Number one! Good oral hygiene practices are the best way to support healthy gum tissue, bone structure, and of course, teeth. Using a soft bristled toothbrush, gently brush your teeth in circular motions over the surface of each tooth to remove plaque. Keep in mind, you should replace your toothbrush every three months or when it begins to fray. It is also a good idea to go ahead and replace your toothbrush each time you have your teeth professionally cleaned.

Flossing is something that a lot of people have trouble getting into their routine. Flossing helps remove plaque from between your teeth and slightly below the gum line where your toothbrush simply cannot reach. Starting a new flossing routine is very likely to cause some bleeding but with continued and consistent flossing, that bleeding will stop happening.

Some patients may also find it beneficial to add an antibacterial mouthwash containing ingredients such as chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide. These solutions can help treat and prevent bleeding gums. Salt water can also be used to soothe and speed up healing time for puffy and bleeding gums.

Gauze and Ice

For occasional bleeding gums, a clean, damp piece of gauze can be used to stop bleeding by gently pressing on the affected area. Some patients that have a weakened immune system or other medical condition may have a harder time getting bleeding to stop can also use a cold compress on the area to soothe swollen and bleeding gum tissue.

When To See A Dentist

Bleeding gums that persist for more than a couple of weeks should be checked by your dentist. Patients with severe gum disease may not see a decline in the amount of bleeding they see during oral hygiene and may need to have a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, by their dental office to get their gum tissue back to a healthy normal.

Occasional bleeding after an aggressive brushing session may not point to a major problem, but repeated bleeding is still a sign that the gums are irritated or inflamed. Healthy gums should generally tolerate normal brushing and flossing without leaving blood in the sink. When bleeding keeps returning, it usually means plaque, tartar, trauma, or an underlying health issue is keeping the tissue from recovering fully. Paying attention early can help patients address a reversible problem before it becomes more advanced.

Patients should also notice whether bleeding comes with tenderness, swelling, bad breath, recession, or loose teeth. Those associated symptoms can help a dentist determine whether the issue is limited to local irritation or part of a bigger periodontal concern. Even when the cause turns out to be mild, the earlier it is evaluated, the easier it usually is to correct with a focused hygiene plan and timely professional care.

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