Stop Before it Starts
If you haven't experienced bleeding gums, that's great! Keep up the good work and make sure these tips are part of your routine so you don't have bleeding gums in the future.
Brush & Floss
Good oral hygiene is the number one way to prevent bleeding gums. Keeping your teeth clean and free from plaque allows your gums to avoid painful inflammation and swelling that can lead to bleeding. In order to prevent plaque bacteria and tartar buildup, brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and use a mouthwash. Regular dental care also helps your teeth stay used to being brushed and flossed so they don't get too tender and bleed when you do care for them.No Smoking
Smoking actually makes it harder for your body's immune system to fight off infection. That means that the bacteria and harmful substances in your mouth can do even more harm than they would in a non-smoker. If bacteria continues to grow and plaque keeps building up, your gums will get more and more inflamed. Eventually they may start bleeding at even the slightest touch due to developing gum disease.Balance Your Meals
A balanced, healthy diet is good for your overall health. It can even help promote great oral health and prevent gum bleeding. Increase the amount of vitamin C and K in your diet to help improve your immune system and help your blood clot better. Include these vitamins in your diet with natural foods like oranges, sweet potatoes, red peppers, carrots, and dark leafy greens. Limiting the amount of carbs and sugar in your lifestyle is also very helpful in keeping your teeth healthier. These high-sugar foods and drinks feed the plaque bacteria and allow them to grow further and faster. Green tea is also a great addition to your teeth-healthy diet because it contains an antioxidant that helps lower inflammation.
What if it's Serious?
Any time your mouth is bleeding, there is the potential of a more serious issue. Sometimes it's just because your teeth aren't used to flossing, but sometimes it could be because of a disease developing in your gums or mouth.
The most common concern when considering gum disease is gingivitis. Its symptoms are inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. It causes your gums to appear swollen and red. Because your gums are so tender and inflamed, they easily bleed when subjected to pressure - even pressure as light as a daily tooth brushing.
If you notice regular bleeding over a longer period of time (7-10 days) during your daily dental hygiene routine, it might be time to talk to your local dentist.
If you need help identifying why your gums are bleeding, Access Dental and Dentures is always here to help! We have several convenient locations where you can stop in for a checkup and get the best dental care in Missouri! Give us a call to schedule your next appointment - we can't wait to help you! 1-877-DENTIST
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