How to Treat Bleeding Gums

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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