Bleeding Gums

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Bleeding Gums: Home Care & Treatment

• Visit the dentist at least once every 6 months for plaque removal. Follow your dentist's home care instructions.
• Brush teeth gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush after every meal. The dentist may recommend rinsing with salt water or hydrogen peroxide and water. Avoid using commercial, alcohol-containing mouthwashes, which aggravate the problem.
• Floss teeth twice a day to keep plaque from building up.
• Eliminate between-meal snacks and reduce carbohydrate intake to help prevent plaque build-up on teeth.
• Use an oral irrigation device on the low setting to massage the gums.
• Maintain a balanced, healthy diet.

• Avoid the use of tobacco, which aggravates bleeding gums.
• Have poorly fitting dentures adjusted and relined by your dentist if they are causing sore spots in gums.
• Avoid aspirin unless your health care provider has recommended that you take it.
• Control gum bleeding by applying pressure directly on the gums with a gauze pad soaked in ice water.
• If you have been diagnosed with a vitamin deficiency, take recommended vitamin supplements
• If side effects of medication are irritating, ask your doctor to adjust or substitute another medication. Never change your medication without consulting your doctor.