Tender, swollen gums that bleed after brushing are a common symptom of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. While fairy reversible if addressed early, this condition can evolve into more serious dental problems. Learn how to have healthy gums by addressing what causes bleeding gums and using nutritional support. While it is possible to stop bleeding gum with home remedies and excellent oral care habits, it is also important to see your dentist regularly to monitor your oral health.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
The primary culprit of bleeding gums and the onset of periodontal disease is a build-up of bacterial plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on teeth. If it is not removed it hardens, forming tarter. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can help to remove plaque and are essential steps towards oral health, but there may be more to stopping bleeding gums.
If the mouth is an environment that allows bacteria to thrive then preventing gum disease will always be a battle. There are simple steps that you can take at home to improve your well-being and lessen the flourishing of bacteria in the mouth, around teeth, and on your gums. Changing your diet and using natural home remedies for bleeding gums to keep the mouth clean are two powerful, yet simple tools for supporting oral health.
What else causes bleeding gums aside from bacterial plaque? Nutritional deficiencies, smoking, stress, genetics, and the use of some medications can all act as obstacles to having healthy gums. While some of these factors are uncontrollable, others are in your control. If swollen, bleeding gums are a problem and you are at risk for gum disease make efforts to reduce stress, avoid smoking, and keep your body in optimal health.
How to Stop Bleeding Gums with Diet
Wondering how to stop bleeding gums with food? While what you eat is only part of the treatment equation, food choices can make a tremendous difference in your oral health. Foods that are good for your mouth include:
- Cashews, cranberries, and green tea, which all act to prevent the adhesion of plaque to teeth
- Raw, crunchy nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables to stimulate and strengthen gums
- Yogurt and kefir for beneficial bacteria in the digestive system helps to balance bacteria in the mouth
- Good sources of calcium and vitamin D, such as milk, salmon, dandelion greens, and oatmeal
- Good sources of beta carotene, such as green leafy vegetables, sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, and carrots
- Good sources of vitamin C, such as berries, kiwi, green peppers, and citrus fruit
Foods to avoid because they contribute to poor body chemistry and/or bacterial growth include refined carbohydrates, sugary foods, and soft drinks. Sugar is a direct cause of plaque build-up and it also makes it more difficult for the body to ward off harmful bacteria.
Home Remedies for Bleeding Gums
Aside from making sure you are eating a diet for healthy gums you can try home remedies to help prevent and treat bleeding gums. The following options are all useful for keeping the mouth clean and bacteria free and promoting gum health.
- Rinse with warm salt water. Stir one teaspoon of sea salt in one cup of clean, warm water. Swish around mouth vigorously for about thirty seconds after brushing.
- Dab with diluted clove oil. Clove has very strong antiseptic properties and it also reduces pain if gums are swollen and tender. Use a very small amount — one to two drops of clove essential oil diluted in a small amount of olive oil. Dab onto gums, gently massaging. Thyme oil can be used as well.
- Rinse with an herbal tea. Chamomile tea soothes and encourages healing. A sage infusion will reduce inflammation. Red raspberry leaves will stop bleeding gums. Make a strong infusion using one tablespoon of any of these dried herbs in one cup of boiling water for ten minutes.
- Massage the gums daily. Simply massaging the gums with your fingertip for two minutes a day will increase circulation and healing. For a more beneficial effect massage with vitamin E oil to speed healing.
Making Oral Health a Priority
Learning how to stop bleeding gums and turn your deteriorating oral health around is so important. While there are other potential causes, swollen and tender gums are generally a sign of gum disease. Take measures to avoid what causes bleeding gums, improve the state of your overall health through diet, and practice good oral hygiene — brush and floss twice a day, rinse with natural solutions, and see your dentist twice a year.
References
American Academy of Periodontology
Page, Linda. "Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone." Eleventh Edition (Traditional Wisdom, 2003).
Balch, Phyllis A. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).
Brenna Coleman - Brenna is a freelance writer focusing on natural health and beauty. She has written hundreds of articles, helping readers find ways to ...
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