Although the smallest amount of blood might not seem like a big deal, if your gums are bleeding consistently, you shouldn't ignore it. Here are eight ways you can make changes if you notice your gums bleeding.

We've all been there. You're brushing your teeth and notice a bit of pink when you spit out the toothpaste. Or maybe you see some bleeding when you floss. Although the smallest amount of blood might not seem like a big deal, if your gums are bleeding consistently, you shouldn't ignore it. Here's what you can do if you notice your gums bleeding.

1. Step Up Your Oral Care Game

According to the American Dental Association, the most significant cause of bleeding gums is plaque buildup along the gumline. When you don't remove plaque, it hardens into tartar, a calcified material that plaque adheres to and continues to irritate the gums. This irritation can cause the gums to bleed and can progress into more advanced forms of gum disease.

The best way to reduce plaque buildup and your risk for bleeding gums is to amp up your oral care routine. Brush twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.

2. Take a Look at Your Tools

Your oral hygiene tools could be what's causing your gums to bleed. Although it might seem like a toothbrush with medium or firm bristles cleans your teeth better, harder bristles usually cause irritation — which can cause your gums to bleed. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a toothbrush with soft bristles, which cleans your teeth and gums thoroughly without irritation. Flossing sporadically, instead of every day, can also cause bleeding gums. Remember to floss daily and avoid pressing the floss against your gums too hard.

3. Maintain a Healthy Diet

What you eat plays a part in keeping your gums healthy. Foods that contain lots of sugar or simple carbohydrates increase your risk for tooth and gum problems, as sugar creates an ideal environment for plaque. A diet full of whole foods, such as vegetables and fruits, gives your gums the nutrients they need. You don't have to ban sweets from your life — but eat them in moderation and brush afterward, so the sugar doesn't have time to stick around.

4. Consider Your Medicine

Certain medicines also increase the likelihood that your gums will bleed. Some over-the-counter pain relievers thin the blood and can increase bleeding. It's also possible for certain prescription medications to cause gum bleeding. If that is the case, your doctor might prescribe a different dose or a different drug altogether. Always talk to your doctor about medication side effects.

5. Try to Relax

High levels of stress can also affect your oral health. When you're stressed, you might be more likely to skip brushing or flossing or choose to eat fast food instead of a balanced meal. Stress also increases inflammation in your body, which makes your gums more likely to bleed. And, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, too much stress reduces your immune system's functionality, making it more difficult for your body to fight infection. Focus on ways you can destress, like deep breathing techniques and meditation.

6. Quit Smoking

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, smoking plays a significant role in the development of gum disease, along with increasing your risk for certain cancers and heart disease. The toxins in tobacco smoke keep your gums from getting the nutrition that they need and can lead to inflammation. Quitting can be tough, but it's one of the most important things to do if you want to protect your oral and overall health.

7. Stop Sharing

Gum disease and bleeding gums can be contagious. Bacteria related to gingivitis can pass between partners or parents and children. It's good to avoid sharing things like toothbrushes or dirty silverware and water glasses to be safe.

8. See Your Dentist

If these changes don't help your gums to stop bleeding, the next step is to see your dentist. They will examine your teeth and gums and determine if you have a more severe condition, such as advanced gum disease. If they believe treatment is needed, such as a deep cleaning or periodontal surgery, you'll likely visit with a periodontist who specializes in treating gum disease.

In many cases, bleeding gums are no big deal, but sometimes it can warrant professional treatment. If it's been a while since you've seen your dentist, make an appointment today. Getting the issue diagnosed and making the necessary changes will help improve the health of your mouth considerably. With the right diagnosis and personal care, bleeding gums can become a thing of the past.

How To Treat Bleeding Gums Naturally: 3 Excellent Ways!

Here are a few things that may cause bleeding gums and our recommendations for simple, natural and effective treatment. 

What Causes Bleeding Gums?

Simply put, bacteria and plaque build-up around your gums which can cause swelling and inflammation. This can make gums extra sensitive to touch or contact with things like food, floss or even a toothbrush.

Some common causes for gum bleeding include poor oral hygiene, early onset gingivitis, brushing excessively hard or with the wrong type of toothbrush, pregnancy, nutritional deficiencies, diabetes or ill-fitting dentures. 

It is not unusual to have some light friction-based bleeding from your gums after brushing, however if there is excessive bleeding or pink liquid in the sink after brushing and flossing, here are some recommended treatments. 

Treating Bleeding Gums.

The good news is you can treat and reverse bleeding gums naturally by following these oral hygiene best practices and recommendations.

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene.

Poor oral hygiene practices result in plaque build-up, gum inflammation, bacteria, tooth decay and possibly gum diseases. Brushing several times daily and flossing are crucial to good oral hygiene. An easy and effective way to floss and condition gums below the gum line is by using the FlossQuick Advanced Oral Hygiene System. This system utilizes custom-made flossing trays and organic, dentist formulated gel to clean, condition and stimulate gums to reduce plaque and bacteria build-up.

2. See a Dentist Regularly.

Harmful plaque and bacteria can lead to issues beyond gingivitis like weakened tooth enamel. The cleaning performed twice a year at your dentist's office will remove plaque and tartar that is difficult to remove at home. This will help prevent bleeding gums and keep your mouth healthy.

3. Use FlossQuick Antigingivitis Organic GumGel.

FlossQuick Antigingivitis GumGel is a natural remedy formulated by dentists to treat bleeding gums and fight gingivitis. FlossQuick with GumGel is the only product on the market that cleans and conditions gums below the gum line, while flossing. It works to soothe sore and painful gums, treat bleeding gums and fight gingivitis.

GumGel can be used stand alone or with the FlossQuick custom flossing trays. GumGel is all-natural and rich in antioxidants using a combination of Neem oil, Clove oil, Peppermint and Lavender oil (essential oils), and other natural ingredients. These essential oils have proven gum and oral healing and conditioning qualities, according to data provided by the US National Laboratory of Medicine and the National Intsitute of Health. 

Neem oil is rich in antioxidants and helps to boost the immune response in the gums and tissues of the mouth. Neem also offers a good remedy for curing mouth ulcers, tooth decay and acts as a pain reliever in toothache problems, tested and clinically proven by the US National Laboratory of Medicine and the National Institute of Health. 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing good oral hygiene will help prevent bleeding gums and gingivitis. The American Dental Association also recommends eating a balanced diet and avoiding between-meal snacking.