How To

How to Treat Bleeding Gums

Bleeding Gums Murphy!
Bleeding Gums Murphy!
Member
By Jim Lochner
eHow Community Member
(15 Ratings)

Bleeding gums can be a sign of more serious dental problems, such as gingivitis, or may be caused by infection, vitamin deficiency, leukemia, blood-thinning medication, hormonal imbalance or ill-fitting dentures. Assuming the cause is dental, bleeding gums can be eliminated or at least kept under control with proper care.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Soft-bristle toothbrush
  • Electric toothbrush
  • Floss
  • Oral irrigation device
  1. Step 1

    Brush teeth after every meal with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Contrary to what you may think, harder bristles and/or harder brushing just wears down the teeth and scrapes off all-important enamel. And, no, your gums probably won't get used to it. They'll just continue to bleed even more.

  2. Step 2

    Floss and use an electric toothbrush and/or oral irrigation device on a low setting, such as a WaterPik. All of these devices will get into those hard to reach places between teeth and under the gum line that normal toothbrushes may miss.

  3. Step 3

    Rinse with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt to one cup of water) three times a day. This will help the gums heal quicker.

  4. Step 4

    Avoid commercial mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Instead, try a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide with equal amounts of water. Swish for up to 60 seconds once a day; but don't swallow. And be sure to rinse your mouth out afterwards. As an added benefit you just might see whiter teeth!

  5. Step 5

    Visit your dentist once every six months for plaque removal. Follow further directions provided by your dentist.

Tips & Warnings
  • If the symptoms persist, visit your dentist, as it may be a sign of more serious dental problems

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