Visit the dentist at least once every 6 months for plaque removal. Follow your dentist's home care instructions.

You should brush your 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.

Flossing teeth twice a day can prevent plaque from building up. Avoiding snacking between meals and reducing carbohydrates can also help. Follow a balanced, healthy diet.

Other tips:

• Avoid the use of tobacco, which aggravates bleeding gums.
• 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.
• Avoid aspirin unless your health care provider has recommended that you take it.
• If side effects of medication are irritating, ask your doctor to recommend another medication. Never change your medication without consulting your doctor.
• Use an oral irrigation device on the low setting to massage the gums.
• See your dentist if your dentures do not fit correctly or if they are causing sore spots in your gums.

Consult your health care provider if:

• The bleeding is severe or long term (chronic)
• Your gums continue to bleed even after treatment
• You have other unexplained symptoms with the bleeding

Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums, and ask questions such as:

• Are the gums bleeding a large amount?
• Did the bleeding begin recently?
• Do the gums bleed frequently or only occasionally?
• Have you had gum problems before?
• How often do you brush?
• How often do you floss?
• Do you use a soft- or hard-bristle toothbrush?
• How vigorously do you brush?
• What other home care aids do you use (toothpicks or other)?
• When was the last time you had your teeth cleaned at the dentist?
• Have you changed your diet?
• Do you eat adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables?
• Do you take supplemental vitamins?
• Do you have a high carbohydrate diet (pasta)?
• What medications do you take? Do you take seizures medicines, blood thinners (such as Coumadin, heparin), or aspirin?
• Are you pregnant?
• Have you changed mouthwash or toothpaste recently?
• What other symptoms do you have? (for example, sore throat)

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Blood studies such as a CBC or blood differential
• X-rays of the teeth and jawbone