What do bleeding gums mean

But don't give up the practice — both flossing and brushing are critical for oral health. Ensure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a gentler touch. The bleeding should stop within a week. Pregnant women may experience swollen gums and bleeding during brushing. The American Pregnancy Association calls this "pregnancy gingivitis. Going to your dentist and dental hygiene appointments, regular brushing, and daily flossing can help to prevent gum inflammation and bleeding from becoming worse.

You can correct bleeding gums with proper oral hygiene using a soft-bristled brush and gentle flossing technique. Keep up with your dental appointments so you can prevent gingivitis and the more severe gum disease stages.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Shop Now. Our Mission. Contact Us. United States US English. Submit an Idea. Brand Logo. What do Bleeding Gums Mean? While caring for your teeth is important, many people forget the value of caring for your gums as part of an important oral hygiene regimen.

Since gums provide important support for your teeth, take good care of them and take action if you notice bleeding gums. Problems such as bleeding gums can be a sign that your gums are not being properly cared for and need more attention. Share on Pinterest Practicing good oral hygiene can help treat bleeding gums.

Using ice. Using mouthwash. Using a warm salt rinse. Applying a turmeric paste. Share on Pinterest Scientific evidence does not support turmeric paste as a treatment for bleeding gums.

Using the right toothbrush. Flossing every day, but be gentle. Avoiding smoking. Trying oil pulling. Avoiding processed and sugary foods. Eating crunchy vegetables. Eating more leafy greens. Share on Pinterest Kale and leafy greens are rich in essential nutrients. Long-term treatment and prevention. When to see a dentist. Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes.

Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. What causes pale gums? Medically reviewed by Elaine K.

Luo, M. Causes and treatment of gingivitis. What can cause gum pain? Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Benefits of oil pulling with coconut oil. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. We know that the bacteria associated with gum disease are implicated in the formation of arteriosclerosis furring up of the main arteries and are found in the heart tissues of people with heart disease.

This low level of inflammation caused by bacteria from plaque is also associated with the development of cancer and type 2 diabetes. Tilling adds: "Gum disease means you may have an area of inflammation in your mouth the size of the palm of your hand, so it's easy to see how bacteria can enter the body quickly this way.

We know that patients with gum disease are more likely to have poor blood sugar control and either have, or are at risk from, type 2 diabetes. Because gum disease rarely causes pain until it's more advanced, it is easy to ignore it and be unaware of how it can impact on other areas of the body.

Gum disease is preventable and reversible with good oral hygiene , although you can't reverse bone loss or lost teeth when it is advanced. The best way to keep gums healthy is to clean your teeth at least twice a day - in the morning and before bed.

The right toothbrush helps. Dr Okoye suggests a gentle action, round-headed electric toothbrush if you already use an electric brush. It's important to clean right down to the gum line, even if your gums are already inflamed and bleeding. Most people tend to take a step back, but that's the opposite of what you should do. Tilling advises: "Clean in between your teeth too, either with floss or small brushes.

In addition, you can use a mouth wash or an antibacterial gel on the sore areas of gums. If you suffer from dry mouth, maybe because of drugs you take, sugar-free chewing gum can create more saliva and help cleanse your mouth. Reducing your sugar intake, especially sweet foods and drinks in between meals, will help reduce plaque and bacteria. Eating foods containing vitamin C will also help gum health.