Whether you ran the floss thread too close to your gums or brushed your teeth too hard, bleeding gums, as a result, is a common occurrence. However, in most cases, the bleeding stops on its own. If it doesn’t, it’s a sign of an underlying oral condition, one that should be evaluated immediately. Nevertheless, if you’re trying to find ways to stop your gums from bleeding, look no further. We’ve outlined all the causes and treatments of bleeding gums, so make sure to keep on reading.
Causes of Bleeding Gums
While it may cause alarm bells to go off in your head, bleeding gums isn’t something to worry about. Usually, the reason behind the bleeding is something as minimal as irritation or a small injury. This gradually heals by itself, restoring your gum health. But if your gums are constantly shedding blood, it may be due to one of the following causes:
- Neglected oral hygiene
- A habit of smoking tobacco or vaping
- Early stages of gum disease (Gingivitis)
- Severe gum disease (Periodontitis)
- Hormonal imbalance
- Lack of Vitamin C and K
- Diabetes
- Underlying chronic health condition
How to Stop Gums From Bleeding?
As common as bleeding gums are, it is just as easy to put an end to them. You can try following the tips mentioned below to clean your teeth and gums, or you can contact a dentist for further advice.
- Rinse Your Mouth with Saltwater
Saltwater contains antibacterial properties. If your gums continue to bleed, simply swish a few mouthfuls of the concoction and wait for it to work its magic. - Use a Soft-bristled Toothbrush
If your gums tend to bleed after you finish your oral care routine, it’s probably because of the toothbrush. Harsh and coarse bristles can scratch against the sensitive layer of the gums, causing them to bleed from the irritation. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush instead. - Stop the Bleeding with Dental Gauze
In case of heavy bleeding, press some layers of dental gauze over the idea. The pressure will temporarily stop the bleeding while the gauze soaks everything up. Alternatively, you can also apply ice over it to control the amount of blood. - Build up Your Vitamin K Levels
Lack of Vitamin K and C leads to oral bleeding that takes a long time to control. This is because Vitamin K helps clot blood, but if there is a deficiency, the blood starts thinning and leaking out. Eat a healthy portion of leafy greens to avoid this from happening. - Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Just like saltwater, an antibacterial, alcohol-free mouthwash is a great way to put an end to bleeding gums. It works immediately and even alleviates the sting.
How Long Does It Take Gums To Stop Bleeding?
Depending on the reason behind it, bleeding gums can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. However, anything longer than 3 to 5 days is a cause for concern, especially if you’ve tried all home remedies with no results. In such a case, it is crucial to let your dentist know as soon as you can. Untreated gum disease can be extremely dangerous, leading to severe health problems down the line.
When to See a Dentist?
There are plenty of ways to stop your gums from bleeding. However, to do so, it is essential to know what is causing the bleeding. Contact DentaLand Dentistry at (832) 674-8377 if the bleeding doesn’t stop or gets worse. You can also come to visit us at 5003 Hwy 6 N, Houston, TX 77084, United States, located near Subway, for an in-person evaluation.