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Bleeding gums is a condition where the inadequate removal of plaque causes germs to build up and attack the gums. This results in inflamed and irritated gums, which bleed while brushing or flossing. It is also known as gingivitis and is the first stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is generally painless with bleeding gums being the only symptom.

This condition can be prevented with simple home remedies that are easy to follow and can result in an improved dental condition within a matter of weeks. Although, if home remedies don’t seem to work, then you may have to see a doctor.

Medical Treatments for Bleeding Gums

If you’re taking the regular precautions of brushing properly, flossing, getting your dentures aligned (if you’re wearing them) and maintaining good hygiene and still have bleeding gums, then here are some treatments that you may require:

• Removal of plaque via scaling: Go to the dentist to get rid of all the plaque that has accumulated on your teeth. This is the most basic treatment. As plaque hardens into tartar and then calculus, it gets attached to your teeth and can only be removed by the use of a scaler tip at the dentist’s office.
• Periodontal therapy: If you are suffering from a severe form of periodontal disease, you might have to undergo a periodontal therapy.
• Vitamin supplements: The dentist, along with scaling and other procedures might prescribe you some vitamins and mouthwashes as a maintenance program after your dental visit.

Home Remedies for Bleeding Gums

There are several home remedies that can be practiced regularly to prevent or treat gum bleeding. They include the following:

Citrus Fruits

One of the reasons for bleeding gums can be attributed to the deficiency of vitamin C. Citrus fruits contain a variety of phytonutrients which are necessary for health promotion and disease prevention and are a good source of vitamin C. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, can prevent you from bleeding gums by providing adequate amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps prevent a disease called scurvy, which starts with fatigue and inflammation of gums and progresses to show other signs and symptoms like bleeding of gums, loosening or loss of teeth due to fragility of tissues and capillaries.

Milk

According to the National Institutes of Health, milk, yogurt, and cheese are the main sources of calcium for the majority of the population of the United States. A cross-sectional study investigated the effect of calcium from dairy products on periodontitis and concluded that dairy calcium, particularly from milk may protect against periodontitis and gum problems. Therefore, milk should be drunk on a regular basis for preventing bleeding gums.

Avoid Smoking

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) lists smoking as one of the most significant risk factors for developing gum disease. According to Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the reason for a smoker to be predisposed to gum disease lies in the fact that smoking affects the body’s ability to fight infection and repair tissue. Therefore, it’s best to avoid smoking.

Cranberry & Wheatgrass Juice

Cranberry juice can help prevent gum diseases. Labreque et. al., revealed that the non-dialysable material from cranberry juice inhibits biofilm formation by bacteria that are responsible for gum diseases. The study also suggests that cranberry constituents may have a beneficial effect for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.

Baking Soda

A literature review section published as a part of a study by Silhacek et al in the Journal of Dental Hygiene states that baking soda or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), has a high significance in dentistry because of its ever-growing use in toothpaste and mouth rinses. Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda is readily available at a low cost, and, in high concentrations possesses antibacterial properties. Baking soda neutralizes the acidic environments of our oral cavity. pH of 4.5 -5.5 of the dental biofilm in our mouth can lead to damage, baking soda acts as an acid neutralizer and helps raise the pH of the oral cavity to a safer neutral pH of 7.0. A study by Kleber CJ et. al., stated that chewing gum containing 5% sodium bicarbonate was effective in reducing dental plaque when used as a supplement to regular tooth brushing by children thereby, improving gum health.

Cloves

A recent review paper concluded that clove and its derivatives have a definite potential to be used as an anti-plaque and anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of gum diseases.

Cloves can either be kept in the mouth, chewed slowly to relieve toothache, or clove oil can be rubbed on the gums where it acts as an antiseptic and analgesic. According to another review paper, clove oil has been known to be active against oral bacteria responsible for cavities and gum problems. Use of cloves has been an age-old and easy home remedy for all kinds of dental problems.

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