We here at Gulf Coast Dental will be the first to admit it – a lot of work goes into proper oral hygiene and caring for your pearly whites, and it isn’t always an easy process. With great dental care comes great responsibility, and sometimes you might encounter an oral health problem that you just don’t know how to deal with.
One problem that you should be vigilant about is bleeding gums. Bleeding gums and gum inflammation (tenderness, swelling, and redness) are causes for concern as they are common signs of gum diseases like gingivitis, and untreated gingivitis can lead to serious issues such as periodontitis and even tooth loss.
Although gingivitis can seem formidable and be very worrisome, there are some natural ways to prevent and heal bleeding gums. Below are a few tips and best practices to help you work towards gingivitis prevention.
Natural Ways to Prevent Gingivitis
The best way to combat gingivitis is to prevent it altogether. Gingivitis prevention should be an active and important part of your oral care and is essential to maintaining good oral health.
Use the following tips and guidelines to protect your gums and smile.
1. Form good oral care habits
The first step to preventing gingivitis and bleeding gums is forming a consistent and regular oral care routine. You should practice good dental hygiene by brushing your teeth and flossing every day. Failing to do so can lead to plaque building up on your gum line, which can cause more serious issues such as tooth decay, bleeding gums, and certain gum diseases like gingivitis.
Brushing and flossing daily and having consistent oral care habits can reduce plaque and bacteria buildup and prevent bleeding and gingivitis before it ever happens.
2. Get plenty of Vitamin C
Although most people might be unaware of this, gum bleeding and gingivitis can actually occur if you are not getting enough Vitamin C.
Making sure you have your recommended daily dose of Vitamin C can improve your immune system, allowing it to fight off bacterial infections that might occur in your mouth and cause gingivitis.
3. Adopt a low carb diet
Carbohydrates and other foods that are high in sugar can encourage plaque and other bacteria to grow in your mouth. Therefore, eating a diet high in carbohydrates can lead to gingivitis and gum bleeding as plaque builds up and affects your oral health.
Cutting most (or even some) carbs out of your daily fare can greatly improve your oral hygiene and reduce your chances of developing gingivitis or other serious gum diseases/conditions.
Natural Treatments for Gingivitis/Bleeding Gums
If you encounter any bleeding, soreness, redness, or tenderness while brushing your teeth, try one of the following home remedies to alleviate your discomfort.
Using hydrogen peroxide
Studies show that hydrogen peroxide rinses could be an effective remedy for treating bleeding gums.
Hydrogen peroxide can act as a disinfecting agent and cleanse your mouth of any bacteria that could be causing inflammation and bleeding. It can also promote gum health and remove plaque from your teeth, which your smile will thank you for!
Hydrogen peroxide rinses can be completed by swishing hydrogen peroxide around your mouth after brushing your teeth. Be sure not to swallow any of the chemical!
Oil pulling
Oil pulling can also be helpful in treating gingivitis. The technique involves swishing oil (coconut, arimedadi, etc.) around your mouth for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Many of the oils that are used with this technique have antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory properties and can improve your oral hygiene and eliminate any pesky bacteria in your mouth.
Salt-water rinses
Similar to hydrogen peroxide, salt water can also be used to alleviate and reduce gum bleeding. Regular rinses of warm salt-water mixtures can help treat gingivitis and bleeding by disinfecting your mouth, preventing infection and reducing bacteria and inflammation.
To create a salt-water mixture simply combine a glass of warm water and half of a teaspoon of salt and swish the mixture around your mouth for a couple of seconds. You should repeat this process at least three times daily.
When to seek professional, dental help
Seek professional, dental help if:
- Home remedies are not helpful for your dental condition(s)
- Your gum bleeding is not eliminated or resolved within seven to 10 days
- You aren’t able to remove plaque on your own
Contact us at Gulf Coast Dental for guaranteed professional assistance and advice on how to care for and maintain your oral health. Visit our website to review the specific Gingivitis services we offer and get answers to more of your questions about gingivitis prevention, bleeding gums, and if a natural treatment for gingivitis is the right option for you.
