12 Simple and Effective Home Remedies for Bleeding Gums
In this Article
Imagine this: you spit out foamy toothpaste while brushing your teeth and see a tinge of blood in it. Shocking? Most people neglect taking care of their gums when caring for their teeth. Healthy gums are the basis of oral health as they provide essential support to the teeth. Bleeding gums can often be an indicator of gum disease. But the situation can be tackled with simple and helpful home remedies so that you may flash your pearly whites uninhibitedly.
What are the Causes of Bleeding Gums?
The causes of bleeding gums are as follows:
- Lack of good oral hygiene can trigger plaque formation along the gumline which may lead to gingivitis. Gingivitis can result in the swelling and bleeding of gums.
- In the case of gingivitis not being treated properly or in time, the infection can further spread to the gums and jaws. This condition is called periodontitis.
- Medical conditions like leukaemia and haemophilia can be an underlying reason for bleeding gums.
- Sometimes, the deficiency of Vitamin C and K can also prompt the gums to bleed.
- Sometimes, individuals who wear dentures are prone to bleeding gums.
- Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy can be another starting point of bleeding gums.
Signs and Symptoms of Bleeding Gums
Common signs of bleeding gums may include:
- Inflamed gums
- Discoloured gums
- Reddened gums
- Gums which recede from the teeth
- A persistent unpleasant taste
- Constant bad breath
- Loosening of teeth
- Pus build-up around the teeth and gums
- Blood oozing out during brushing
- Sensitive teeth
Natural Remedies for Bleeding Gums
Here are some useful home remedies that may help you take care of your bleeding gums:
1. Tea Tree Oil
It has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which can bring relief to bleeding gums.
What You Will Need
- A teaspoon coconut oil
- 1-2 drops of tea tree oil
What You Have to Do
- Blend tea tree oil with coconut oil.
- Gently massage this solution onto your gums.
- Let this remain for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Next, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.
- Do this twice every day.
2. Salt Water Rinse
It can be an effective cure for bleeding gums, as salt contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory abilities to decrease swelling. It also battles infections that lead to bleeding gums.
What You Will Need
- A teaspoon of salt
- A cup of warm water
What You Have to Do
- Add salt to a cup of warm water and stir well.
- Rinse your mouth properly with this saline mixture three times daily.
3. Clove Oil
Clove oil has an active compound called eugenol which possesses pain-relieving and anaesthetic qualities, thus, providing comfort from the symptoms of bleeding gums.
What You Will Need
- Two to three drops of clove oil
- A teaspoon coconut oil
What You Have to Do
- Combine coconut oil with clove oil.
- Rub this mixture directly on the gums and leave it on for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Use this solution two times daily.
4. Honey
Honey, with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial abilities, can restrict the development of plaque by destroying harmful bacteria and can play a key role in the healing process of unhealthy gums.
What You Will Need
- A tablespoon of raw honey
What You Have to Do
- Apply honey to your gums and massage it gently.
- Do this treatment twice every day for optimal results.
5. Tea Bags
The tannic acid present in tea bags can prevent the clotting of blood by constricting bleeding vessels. Black tea bags usually work the best.
What You Will Need
- A black tea bag
- Hot water
What You Have to Do
- Dampen the tea bag with hot water.
- Place it over your gums and lightly bite down.
- Hold it in place for about 5 minutes before removing it gently.
- Do this at least twice a day.
6. Sage and Peppermint Oil
Peppermint or sage oil can support good oral health by keeping the mouth clean and refreshed, and discouraging the accumulation of plaque.
What You Will Need
- One or two drops of sage/peppermint oil
- Two or three drops of coconut oil
What You Have to Do
- Blend sage or peppermint oil with coconut oil.
- Add the blend to your toothpaste.
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
7. Calendula Leaf and Chamomile Tea
Tea made from the leaves of chamomile and calendula can considerably improve the health of the gums and protect them from the effects of periodontitis and gingivitis. Its astringent, antiseptic and antifungal abilities can block the inflammatory responses of plaque-forming bacteria and curtail the bleeding of the gums.
What You Will Need
- Chamomile and calendula tea bags
- Lemon juice
What You Have to Do
- Add hot water to a cup with a chamomile or a calendula tea bag.
- Mix in the lemon juice.
- Swish the chamomile/calendula rinse around in your mouth after brushing your teeth.
- Do this twice a day.
8. Cranberry Juice
It can be a good remedy for gum problems as it is thought to have the ability to stop Streptococcus mutans bacteria from binding with the teeth and gums, thus averting plaque multiplication.
What You Will Need
- A cup of cranberry juice (unsweetened)
What You Have to Do
- Have a cup of cranberry juice at least once a day.
9. Oil Pulling
It can improve gum health and neutralise inflammation as it may help in getting rid of the bacteria present in the mouth that leads to plaque formation and causes the gums to bleed.
What You Will Need
- A tablespoon of coconut oil
What You Have to Do
- Sit upright with some oil in your mouth.
- Swish the oil for about around 2 to 3 minutes in your mouth before spitting it out.
- Do this once every day.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric is popular as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory herb. The curcumin in turmeric can abolish plaque, bacteria and any kind of inflammation.
What You Will Need
- A teaspoon of turmeric powder
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- Half a teaspoon of mustard oil
What You Have to Do
- Combine mustard oil, turmeric powder, and salt.
- Apply this mix to the gums and massage gently.
- Do this twice daily for good results.
11. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has incredible healing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory abilities which can contribute to the management of gum complications and improvement of the periodontal disorder.
What You Will Need
- A teaspoon of aloe vera gel
What You Have to Do
- Apply the aloe vera gel on the gums and massage lightly.
- Leave it for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth clean.
- Do this twice a day.
12. Baking Soda
The alkaline baking soda can discourage the generation of plaque by nullifying acidic bacterial wastes in the mouth.
What You Will Need
- A teaspoon baking soda
- A mug of warm water
What You Have to Do
- Add baking soda to a mug of warm water and mix well.
- Use this solution to cleanse your mouth after meals or at least twice a day.
- You can directly apply baking soda to your gums too.
Tips for Preventing Bleeding Gums
Some preventive tips can include:
- Brush your teeth twice every day, and if possible, after all your meals.
- Opt for a soft/medium bristled brush for brushing your teeth.
- Refrain from brushing too harshly as it can harm the tender gum tissues.
- Floss daily to get rid of bacteria concealed between your teeth.
- Adopt a healthy diet full of vegetables and fruits and follow healthy eating habits to ensure the well-being of gums.
FAQs
Some frequently asked questions are:
1. What Type of Toothpaste and Mouthwash is Good for Bleeding Gums?
Consider using an anti-gingivitis toothpaste which can arrest plaque generation and keep your mouth free of bacteria. You may like to use a mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide which can promote oral health and thwart gum bleeding.
2. Why Do My Gums Bleed While Brushing?
Gingivitis or gathering of plaque underneath the gums is often responsible for gum bleeding while brushing.
3. Why Do Gums Bleed in Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the changing hormones can impact the body in many ways. One of the likely effects can be bleeding gums as the gums tend to become more sensitive to plaque-forming bacteria.
4. Are Bleeding Gums Dangerous Should I Visit Dentist ASAP?
Most instances of bleeding gums can be handled by proper oral care and hygiene. Occasionally bleeding gums can be an indication of some severe underlying problem, like haemophilia or even cancer. In case your gums fail to heal despite a few days of trying out home remedies, it is advisable to refer to a dentist.
Looking after your gums is vital as not doing so can make you susceptible to oral health issues. Home remedies can assist you in tackling the condition of bleeding gums naturally.
Also Read:
Effective Home Remedies for Teeth Whitening
Working Home Remedies for Yellow Teeth
Home Remedies to Deal with Sensitive Teeth
