updated: 07/01/2019
When thinking about dental health, most of us think about preventing cavities in the teeth. However, it is also crucial to pay extra attention to the gums, too. This part plays a main role in both your dental health and your overall well-being.
In many cases, the condition of bleeding gums or bleeding on probing or gingival bleeding could be an underlying sign of certain gum disease. Continual gum bleeding might be because of plaque buildup on teeth. Also, it could be a sign of a serious medical condition. However, there are also some other things that can be causing gum issues. Regardless of the cause of painful, sore gums, there are still steps you could take to reduce the damage and discomfort caused to your gums. The best treatment for bleeding gums is to eliminate the plaque bacteria causing gum disease from your teeth. When the dental plaque forms, it will turn into tartar, which is a sticky, hard substance adhering to your teeth. If not being regularly cleaned, dental tartar could turn into a breeding ground for more plaque, creeping below your gum line and result in a gum and tooth infection that leads to bleeding gums. This article on TrueRemedies.com will share with you the most effective home remedies for bleeding gums while brushing.
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How Do The Gums Work?
If you examine your gums, they should have a healthy color of pink, not the red one. They normally make a C-shape around the neck of your teeth. The spot that they touch the teeth should form a small groove, like a collar around your teeth.
Despite the fact that they are a very small part of your own body, gums still have a big task. They help protect the roots and neck of teeth from harmful bacteria. If your gums are not healthy enough to protect the teeth, bacteria will break into your teeth, thereby damaging tissues. Throughout the time, the tissues will become over damaged to be able to hold your teeth, causing the loosening of teeth, which could fall out in the worst case.
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Causes Of Bleeding Gums?
If you notice that your gums bleed when brushing or flossing could be alarming. There are possible reasons that the gums might start to bleed during the process of brushing. Some of them are just temporary while others are of more seriousness. The main cause of bleeding gums is the formation and build-up of plaque at the gum line because of improper flossing and brushing of teeth. If you feel worried about your dental health, visit your dentist for a consultation.
Some common causes of bleeding gums are:
- Gingivitis
This is the first phase of gum disease. The plaque on teeth at the gum line which is not eliminated by flossing and brushing could infect the gum and result in gingivitis symptoms. When gingivitis condition happens, the gums might become tender, swollen, and sometimes bleed during flushing. This early phase of gum bleeding responds well to good flossing and brushing habits along with regular dental checkups.
- Medications
According to the American Dental Association, blood thinning medications are considered one of the possible reasons for bleeding gums. Such medications reduce the ability of blood to clot, leading to easier bleeding. Share with your dentist and doctor about the medications you are taking.
- New Flossing Routine
If you change your flossing routine, it may cause bleeding gums. For instance, if you have not remembered to floss in several days or floss more regularly than normal to remove plaque and food from your teeth, you might see bleeding gums. This should go away within one week.
- New Toothbrush
Changing your toothbrush, especially into the firm one, might cause gum bleeding. Thus, you should return to the soft- or medium-bristled toothbrush. Also, talk to your dentist about the suitable type of toothbrush for your teeth.
- Pregnancy Gingivitis
A number of pregnant women undergo swollen gums and bleeding while brushing. It is called pregnancy gingivitis, in accordance with the American Pregnancy Association. The changes in hormones during pregnancy may alter the response of the female body to bacteria which causes gum disease. Symptoms should go away after pregnancy. Regular brushing and dental checkup could be helpful in preventing gum problems from getting worse.
Other reasons that can exacerbate bleeding gums include vitamins K and C deficiency, placement of new dentures, diabetes mellitus, tooth or gum infection, leukemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, malnutrition, iron overload, dengue fever, and use of aspirin and blood thinners (anticoagulants) such as heparin and warfarin.
Bleeding gums could be a sign of gingivitis, which could turn into more serious phases of gum disease. It is said that the best method to pinpoint the causes of your gum bleeding is seeing your dentist along with dental hygienist.
When To See Your Dentist?
Do you need to see your dentist if having bleeding gums? Perhaps. Sometimes, if you have good habits of brushing and flossing, your gums will get better without having to visit the dentist.
But, if you gums regularly bleed for several weeks, it is time to make an appointment to visit your dentist.
Also, it is recommended to see your dentist in case you experience other symptoms of gum disease such as swollen or red gums, sensitive gums, particularly to cold or hot temperatures, gums separate from the teeth, bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, loose teeth as a mature, etc.
The sooner you see a dentist about gum disease signs, the more likely you can reverse this condition.
Top 21 Effective Home Remedies For Bleeding Gums While Brushing
1. Salt Water
This should be the first remedy to mention when it comes to home remedies for bleeding gums. Gargling and rinsing your mouth with salt water is an age-old but effective remedy for anyone to carry out at home. Because inflammation and bacteria in the mouth often lead to gum disease regularly rinsing your mouth with salt water may decrease bacteria and treat gum bleeding[1] [2].
- Add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water
- Start gargling and rinsing your mouth with this solution for 1-2 minutes
- Repeat this method 3-4 times per day, particularly after meals
Note: People with high blood pressure should be careful with this method. Too salty could irritate the tissue in your mouth.
2. Oil Pulling
For many years, there has been lots of discussion about the health benefits of the ancient practice called oil pulling for dental health, particularly bleeding gums. It mentions to swishing the oil within your mouth for a certain amount of time to deal with some conditions, even including diabetes and migraines. Some people use it to treat bleeding gums[3] [4].
To use this method, you can rinse your mouth with edible oil such as olive, sesame, sunflower or coconut for about 10-20 minutes. However, it is better to consult your dentist before applying it.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda, one of the must-try home remedies for bleeding gums, can neutralize the acids presenting in your mouth thanks to the alkaline nature[5]. For more than 150 years, baking soda has been popularly used as a tooth cleanser. Brushing teeth with this ingredient will aid in dislodging plaque buildup on your teeth and giving you a brighter smile. When baking soda is put in your mouth, free radicals from this ingredient will interact with stain molecules on teeth enamel and scrape off the brown and yellow stains on your teeth. Therefore, it breaks down the tooth discoloration, leading to brightening and whitening.
Also, it can prevent tooth decay and gum disease[6]. The alkaline in it will help neutralize acidic bacterial wastes and facilitate the alkaline environment in the mouth that helps remove decay-causing bacteria. This is one of the preventative methods for bleeding gums.
Method 1: Baking Soda Only
- Combine some baking soda with warm water to have a good paste
- Use it as a toothpaste to brush your teeth
Method 2: Baking Soda & Vinegar
- Dissolve a proper amount of baking soda in water
- Add several drops of white vinegar along with a pinch of salt
- Brush your teeth with this solution for 2 minutes before washing it off thoroughly
Method 3: Baking Soda & Strawberry
Strawberries have powerful antioxidant properties and can help whiten teeth.
- Mash a whole ripe strawberry into a fine pulp
- Add a proper amount of baking soda to have a good paste
- Apply the mixture to your toothbrush and brush it for 2 minutes
- Rinse it off thoroughly
Method 4: Baking Soda And Toothpaste
- Mix baking soda and your toothpaste with a ratio of 1:1 to have a good paste
- Dip your toothbrush into this solution and brush your teeth for 20 minutes
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly
Method 5: Baking Soda & Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is famous for its bleaching and whitening properties.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with ½ teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to create a paste
- Dip your toothbrush into this solution and brush your teeth for 2 minutes
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly
Method 6: Baking Soda & Salt
The abrasive effect of salt can promote the built-up plaque removal and whitening process.
- Apply a small amount of the mixture between baking soda and salt to your toothbrush
- Brush for 2 minutes
- Rinse it thoroughly
Method 7: Baking soda, Glycerin & Peppermint Extract
- Mix 3 teaspoons of vegetable glycerin with several drops of peppermint oil
- Add ½ teaspoon of salt and 5 teaspoons of baking soda
- Mix these ingredients together
- Apply the mixture to your toothbrush and brush your teeth for 2 minutes before rinsing it off
Method 8: Baking Soda & Lemon Juice
The citric acid in citrus fruits acts as a natural bleaching agent. You could alternate lemon juice with lime juice for similar benefits.
- Mix ½ teaspoon each of baking soda and freshly squeezed lemon juice together
- Brush your teeth with this solution and wait for about 1 minute before rinsing it thoroughly
Warnings:
- Baking soda is not recommended to people having pain or bloody gums while brushing or flossing with it. You should use mouthwash and brush once again with your toothpaste after brushing your teeth with baking soda. For faster and more effective brushing, use an electric toothbrush.
- The abrasive effects of baking soda could result in excessive wear and damage to your tooth enamel, causing sensitivity and a higher risk of developing cavities.
- Baking soda can help remove plaque, yet does not kill bacteria, thus contributing to an increased cavity buildup in your teeth.
- This ingredient is not advisable for those having braces or using a permanent retainer because it could dissolve or weaken the orthodontic glue.
- Avoid using this ingredient too often because permanent damage to the teeth enamel could happen because of abrasion.
4. Clove Oil
Rubbing clove oil over your affected gums can relieve bleeding gums naturally. Some scientific evidence supports the use of clove oil for killing germs. It is shown that essential clove oil has an antibacterial property which can fight against ten different strains of gram-negative bacteria. The oil possesses phenolic compounds like eugenol that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties[7] [8]. These properties may help treat bleeding gums and gingivitis[9].
You mix two drops of clove oil and one teaspoon of coconut oil. Then, apply the mixture to your bleeding gums. Keep it on for ten minutes. Try this method at least twice daily.
Note: If you feel a burning sensation when using clove oil, do not worry because it will go away soon.
5. Tea Bags
Tea holds a compound known as tannic acid, which imparts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities to it. These properties may stop bleeding in the gums and fight off the bacteria causing the condition[10] [11].
Follow the steps below:
- Put tea bags in hot water for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Allow it to cool down until it reaches a comfortable temperature.
- Place the tea bags near the problematic area in your mouth.
- Leave it there for about 5 minutes.
6. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne is an antibacterial agent that helps kill the bacteria causing bleeding gums[12]. It also has a compound called capsaicin, which contains exceptional pain-relieving effects and helps soothe the swelling and inflammation of the gums[13].
What you have to do is:
- Put a small amount of cayenne powder on your toothbrush
- Brush the teeth by using this powder until you get good results
Note: You might feel a slight stinging sensation at first, but it is very effective for treating bleeding gums.
7. Honey
Honey has been useful in treating gum diseases including bleeding, gingivitis, and receding gums. It is beneficial for gum health due to its antibacterial properties[14]. This ingredient is also high in minerals and vitamins, providing the essential nutrients for healthy gums. Moreover, it consists of exceptional anti-inflammatory and healing properties that may help ease the swelling and inflammation of your gums[15] [16]. For this remedy, take some Manuka or organic honey and rub it over your gums twice per day.
8. Alum
Gingivitis can make your gums to be sore and red. The alum can work perfectly to fight off the redness associated with bleeding gums[17] [18]. Just simply dissolve a small amount of alum in warm water and then gargle with this solution for 3 times per day to see good results.
9. Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil is considered a miracle natural treatment for any condition, including bleeding gums due to antimicrobial effects[19]. Also, this oil can effectively fight against harmful bacteria.
You can brush your teeth with black seed oil and then massage the gums for 1-2 minutes or swish this oil around your mouth before spitting it. Alternatively, add some drops of black seed oil to a warm glass of water to have an efficient solution of oral hygiene.
10. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the most excellent home remedies for bleeding gums thanks to its healing and plaque-reducing properties. It is useful in fighting against inflammation of the gums thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It can also destroy the bacteria responsible for gingivitis. It also has antibacterial properties, which may fight against oral pathogens causing gum diseases like gingivitis[20] [21] [22]. Apart from that, it can speed up the healing process. For this remedy, rub some aloe vera gel onto your gums and gargle with water. Repeat this process daily until you have good results.
11. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Thanks to its oleic acid and other flavonoids, which are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory, using extra virgin olive oil is worth mentioning in the list of home remedies for bleeding gums[23]. If your gums get inflamed, you can take 1 tablespoon of this oil to swish around your mouth for a few seconds before spitting it. It will help remove toxins. Repeat this routine a few times per day to get the best results[24].
12. Consuming Foods High In Vitamin C And D
A balanced healthy diet plays an important role in treating bleeding gums. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and can help to promote the growth of tissues and bone regeneration. Also, it is useful for treating gum-related issues[25] [26]. Vitamin C also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that are beneficial for treating swollen gums[27]. Hence, needless to say, consuming foods high in vitamin C and D are highly recommended for bleeding gums.
In addition to consuming more foods rich in vitamin C and D[28], you ought to avoid fatty foods along with heavy diets because they have foods getting deposited in the teeth cavities. Also, such foods are sources of unhealthy microbes, which will lead to gingivitis and bleeding gums.
13. Drinking Cranberry Juice
Drinking cranberry juice can help dislodge the bacteria from your teeth. It particularly embraces compounds such as phenolic acids and anthocyanins that exert anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. These properties make cranberry juice one of the best solutions for bleeding gums[29] [30].
It’s recommended to drink about 4 glasses of cranberry juice daily to get rid of bleeding gums naturally. Make sure that you drink unsweetened cranberry juice because too much sugar could negatively affect your teeth.
14. Lemon Paste
Lemon is high in vitamin C and has anti-inflammatory properties. These features are conducive to bleeding gums and gum diseases in general. The antibacterial agents in lemons can fight bacterial infections causing your gums to bleed and become weak[31]. Plus, their anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial for healing the bleeding and swelling[32].
You should use lemon juice and salt to create a paste which is good for teeth and gums. Then, apply it over your teeth and wash it off after several minutes with warm water. You can also take a lemon and then squeeze its juice. Combine the juice with one cup of water. Rinse your mouth with this mixture after every meal. Follow it every day after every meal.
Additional Tips
In addition to these home remedies for bleeding gums, there are some specific points which should be remembered when you want to get rid of bleeding gums.
- Gum and teeth problems are mainly common among tobacco users[33]. Thus, if you are a tobacco user and suffering from bleeding gums, it is time to stop smoking.
- According to research, stress is one of the common reasons for gum infections[34]. It is because stress could weaken the human immune system and makes it susceptible to the invasion of many bacteria resulting in gum problems. Thus, you should avoid having stress as much as you could.
- Brush your teeth regularly after having meals.
- See your dentist at least twice per year to help prevent all kinds of teeth and gum-related issues.
Are you suffering from bleeding gums? Which home remedies for bleeding gums did you try? Share with us in the comment box below. Take care!
