Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTreating Bleeding GumsWays to Prevent Bleeding GumsLong-Term TreatmentWhen to Seek Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Treating Bleeding Gums
Ways to Prevent Bleeding Gums
Long-Term Treatment
When to Seek Medical Care
Bleeding gumsare common. Your gums might bleed due to something harmless, like brushing your teeth too hard, improper flossing, or dentures that don’t fit right. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and certain medications can also cause bleeding gums.
Sometimes, bleeding gums result from a more serious condition, such asbleeding disorders, a vitamin deficiency, some types of bloodcancer, diabetes, an infection, orgum disease.Knowing the trigger is important so you can effectively stop the bleeding.
This article discusses how to stop bleeding gums and when to contact a healthcare provider.
Ekaterina Demidova / Getty Images
Bleeding gums typically go away on their own. However, some treatment options can stop the bleeding and help you feel better.
Rinse With Salt Water
Rinse With Hydrogen Peroxide
Apply a Cold Compress
A cold compress, or even an ice pack, can help soothe irritated gums and stop swelling. Hold the compress against your gums for about 10 minutes at a time.
Apply Gauze
Try a Turmeric Paste
The primary cause of bleeding gums is a build-up of plaque (a sticky film that coats the teeth and contains bacteria), which can lead to gum diseases likegingivitisandperiodontitis. Properoral hygieneis important to stop bleeding and prevent gum disease.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Experts suggest good oral hygiene to include:
Because dry mouth can exacerbate gingivitis, staying hydrated is important. Speak with a healthcare provider if nasal congestion is causing you to breathe through your mouth, which can lead to dryness.
Check Your Toothbrush
Use a soft-bristletoothbrushso you don’t injure your gums or mouth when brushing. If the bristles are worn, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner.
Reduce Stress
Stresscan sometimes trigger bleeding gums.To limit stress, eat a healthful diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. You may also wish to try relaxation techniques, like mindful meditation or yoga, toreduce stress levels.
Increase Vitamin C Intake
Avitamin Cdeficiency can lead toscurvy, which causes gum disease and bleeding gums.Scurvy is rare in the United States but primarily affects older people who don’t get enough vitamin C. The recommended daily dosage of vitamin C is 75 milligrams (mg) for women and 90 mg for men.
Increase Vitamin K Intake
Vitamin Kmakesproteinsin the liver to help blood clot.A vitamin K deficiency isn’t common, but if you have one, you may bleed and bruise more easily. This vitamin is found in green leafy veggies, fish, liver, eggs, and cereals.
Eat Fewer Carbs
Starchy foodscan stick to your teeth. They also break down into sugars, which may lead to plaque buildup and, ultimately, bleeding gums.If you do eat high-carb foods, be sure to brush your teeth immediately after.
Eat More Leafy Greens
Leafy greensprovide adequate amounts of vitamins A, C, and K, which can help keep your gums healthy.These include:
Drink Green Tea
Some studies suggest drinkinggreen teadaily can stop bleeding gums and help improve periodontal disease.The tea contains catechin, an antioxidant that may lower your body’s inflammatory response to bacteria.
Avoid Processed and Sugary Foods
Sugary and processed foods can increase plaque buildup, inflammation, and the development of bleeding gums.Many sodas and juices are high in sugar, which can prompt bacterial growth on the teeth. The acid in these beverages can also damage the enamel of your teeth and lead to decay.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is linked to severe gum disease and tooth loss.To promote healthy gums and prevent bleeding, you shouldquit smokingand steer clear of tobacco products.
A Word From VerywellBleeding gums may seem scary, but they are quite common and often easily treated. Many home care methods can help, but, sometimes, seeing a dentist may be needed.—EDMUND KHOO, DDS, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Bleeding gums may seem scary, but they are quite common and often easily treated. Many home care methods can help, but, sometimes, seeing a dentist may be needed.—EDMUND KHOO, DDS, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Bleeding gums may seem scary, but they are quite common and often easily treated. Many home care methods can help, but, sometimes, seeing a dentist may be needed.
—EDMUND KHOO, DDS, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Long-Term Treatment and Prevention for Bleeding Gums
A good oral hygiene routine is the best long-term strategy for preventing bleeding gums.This includes having your teeth professionally cleaned regularly. Other habits, such as eating a healthy diet, keeping stress levels low, and avoiding smoking, can also help prevent gum disease.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
If you experience persistent bleeding gums, you should make an appointment with your dentist or healthcare provider. The cause could be your brushing habits, but bleeding gums can also indicate that you have another medical condition.
Summary
Bleeding gums are common. There are a variety of causes, but most often, gum disease is the culprit. Many home remedies and lifestyle habits can help prevent or ease bleeding gums. Some ways to help stop bleeding gums include good oral hygiene, reducing stress, quitting smoking, trying a hydrogen peroxide rinse, using cold compresses, eating leafy greens, and more.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Bleeding gums.Aravinth V, Aswath Narayanan M, Ramesh Kumar S, et al.Comparative evaluation of salt water rinse with chlorhexidine against oral microbes: a school-based randomized controlled trial.J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2017;35(4):319. doi:10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_299_16Hasturk H, Nunn M, Warbington M, Van Dyke TE.Efficacy of a fluoridated hydrogen peroxide-based mouthrinse for the treatment of gingivitis: a randomized clinical trial.J Periodontol. 2004;75(1):57-65. doi:10.1902/jop.2004.75.1.57Kaiser Permanente.Tooth and gum pain: Care instructions.Pulikkotil S, Nath S.Effects of curcumin on crevicular levels of IL ‐1β and CCL 28 in experimental gingivitis.Australian Dental Journal. 2015;60(3):317-327. doi:10.1111/adj.12340American Dental Association.Toothbrushes.Corridore D, Saccucci M, Zumbo, et al.Impact of stress on periodontal health: Literature revision.Healthcare(Basel). 2023 May 22;11(10):1516. doi:10.3390/healthcare11101516Harvard Health.Top ways to reduce daily stress.Gandhi M, Elfeky O, Ertugrul H, et al.Scurvy: Rediscovering a forgotten disease.Diseases. 2023 May 26;11(2):78. doi:10.3390/diseases11020078National Institutes of Health.Vitamin C.Mount Sinai.Vitamin k.American Academy of Pediatrics.Diet tips to prevent dental problems.American Dental Association.Nutrition: What you eat affects your teeth.Vyas T, Nagi R, Bhatia A, Bains SK.Therapeutic effects of green tea as an antioxidant on oral health- A review.J Family Med Prim Care. 2021;10(11):3998-4001. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_943_21Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Smoking, gum disease, and tooth loss.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Bleeding gums.Aravinth V, Aswath Narayanan M, Ramesh Kumar S, et al.Comparative evaluation of salt water rinse with chlorhexidine against oral microbes: a school-based randomized controlled trial.J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2017;35(4):319. doi:10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_299_16Hasturk H, Nunn M, Warbington M, Van Dyke TE.Efficacy of a fluoridated hydrogen peroxide-based mouthrinse for the treatment of gingivitis: a randomized clinical trial.J Periodontol. 2004;75(1):57-65. doi:10.1902/jop.2004.75.1.57Kaiser Permanente.Tooth and gum pain: Care instructions.Pulikkotil S, Nath S.Effects of curcumin on crevicular levels of IL ‐1β and CCL 28 in experimental gingivitis.Australian Dental Journal. 2015;60(3):317-327. doi:10.1111/adj.12340American Dental Association.Toothbrushes.Corridore D, Saccucci M, Zumbo, et al.Impact of stress on periodontal health: Literature revision.Healthcare(Basel). 2023 May 22;11(10):1516. doi:10.3390/healthcare11101516Harvard Health.Top ways to reduce daily stress.Gandhi M, Elfeky O, Ertugrul H, et al.Scurvy: Rediscovering a forgotten disease.Diseases. 2023 May 26;11(2):78. doi:10.3390/diseases11020078National Institutes of Health.Vitamin C.Mount Sinai.Vitamin k.American Academy of Pediatrics.Diet tips to prevent dental problems.American Dental Association.Nutrition: What you eat affects your teeth.Vyas T, Nagi R, Bhatia A, Bains SK.Therapeutic effects of green tea as an antioxidant on oral health- A review.J Family Med Prim Care. 2021;10(11):3998-4001. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_943_21Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Smoking, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Bleeding gums.Aravinth V, Aswath Narayanan M, Ramesh Kumar S, et al.Comparative evaluation of salt water rinse with chlorhexidine against oral microbes: a school-based randomized controlled trial.J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2017;35(4):319. doi:10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_299_16Hasturk H, Nunn M, Warbington M, Van Dyke TE.Efficacy of a fluoridated hydrogen peroxide-based mouthrinse for the treatment of gingivitis: a randomized clinical trial.J Periodontol. 2004;75(1):57-65. doi:10.1902/jop.2004.75.1.57Kaiser Permanente.Tooth and gum pain: Care instructions.Pulikkotil S, Nath S.Effects of curcumin on crevicular levels of IL ‐1β and CCL 28 in experimental gingivitis.Australian Dental Journal. 2015;60(3):317-327. doi:10.1111/adj.12340American Dental Association.Toothbrushes.Corridore D, Saccucci M, Zumbo, et al.Impact of stress on periodontal health: Literature revision.Healthcare(Basel). 2023 May 22;11(10):1516. doi:10.3390/healthcare11101516Harvard Health.Top ways to reduce daily stress.Gandhi M, Elfeky O, Ertugrul H, et al.Scurvy: Rediscovering a forgotten disease.Diseases. 2023 May 26;11(2):78. doi:10.3390/diseases11020078National Institutes of Health.Vitamin C.Mount Sinai.Vitamin k.American Academy of Pediatrics.Diet tips to prevent dental problems.American Dental Association.Nutrition: What you eat affects your teeth.Vyas T, Nagi R, Bhatia A, Bains SK.Therapeutic effects of green tea as an antioxidant on oral health- A review.J Family Med Prim Care. 2021;10(11):3998-4001. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_943_21Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Smoking, gum disease, and tooth loss.
MedlinePlus.Bleeding gums.
Aravinth V, Aswath Narayanan M, Ramesh Kumar S, et al.Comparative evaluation of salt water rinse with chlorhexidine against oral microbes: a school-based randomized controlled trial.J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2017;35(4):319. doi:10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_299_16
Hasturk H, Nunn M, Warbington M, Van Dyke TE.Efficacy of a fluoridated hydrogen peroxide-based mouthrinse for the treatment of gingivitis: a randomized clinical trial.J Periodontol. 2004;75(1):57-65. doi:10.1902/jop.2004.75.1.57
Kaiser Permanente.Tooth and gum pain: Care instructions.
Pulikkotil S, Nath S.Effects of curcumin on crevicular levels of IL ‐1β and CCL 28 in experimental gingivitis.Australian Dental Journal. 2015;60(3):317-327. doi:10.1111/adj.12340
American Dental Association.Toothbrushes.
Corridore D, Saccucci M, Zumbo, et al.Impact of stress on periodontal health: Literature revision.Healthcare(Basel). 2023 May 22;11(10):1516. doi:10.3390/healthcare11101516
Harvard Health.Top ways to reduce daily stress.
Gandhi M, Elfeky O, Ertugrul H, et al.Scurvy: Rediscovering a forgotten disease.Diseases. 2023 May 26;11(2):78. doi:10.3390/diseases11020078
National Institutes of Health.Vitamin C.
Mount Sinai.Vitamin k.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Diet tips to prevent dental problems.
American Dental Association.Nutrition: What you eat affects your teeth.
Vyas T, Nagi R, Bhatia A, Bains SK.Therapeutic effects of green tea as an antioxidant on oral health- A review.J Family Med Prim Care. 2021;10(11):3998-4001. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_943_21
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Smoking, gum disease, and tooth loss.
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