Sore Gums: Causes, Treatment and Relief for Sore Gums
What do Sore Gums Mean? Millions of Americans have experienced sore gums. You're brushing or flossing and notice a painful sensation in your gums. Sometimes your sore gums may even start bleeding while you're brushing or flossing. Here are some gum health suggestions.
10 Vitamins and Supplements for Gum Health and Gum Disease
10 Vitamins and Supplements for Gum Health and Gum Disease. Studies have shown that certain supplements promote oral health and reduce the risk of periodontal disease or treat it in those who have the condition.
Bleeding Gums: Causes & Remedies
Bleeding gums
Bleeding gums can be a sign that you have or may develop gum disease. Ongoing gum bleeding may be due to plaque buildup on the teeth. It can also be a sign of a serious medical condition.
Causes
The main cause of bleeding gums is the buildup of plaque at the gum line. This will lead to a condition called gingivitis, or inflamed gums.
Plaque that is not removed will harden into tartar. This will lead to increased bleeding and a more advanced form of gum and jaw bone disease known as periodontitis.
Other causes of bleeding gums include:
- Any bleeding disorders
- Brushing too hard
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Ill-fitting dentures or other dental appliances
- Improper flossing
- Infection, which can be either in a tooth or the gum
- Leukemia, a type of blood cancer
- Scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency
- Use of blood thinners
- Vitamin K deficiency
Home Care
Visit the dentist at least once every 6 months for plaque removal. Follow your dentist's home care instructions.
Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush at least twice a day. It is best if you can brush after every meal. Also, flossing teeth twice a day can prevent plaque from building up and turning into tartar.
Your dentist may tell you to rinse with salt water or hydrogen peroxide and water, or a mouth rise designed to treat gum inflammation. Some rinses contain alcohol, so consult with your dentist prior to using one of these types.
It can help to follow a balanced, healthy diet. Try to avoid snacking between meals and cut down on the carbohydrates you eat.
Other tips to help with bleeding gums:
- Have a periodontal exam.
- Do not use tobacco, since it makes bleeding gums worse. Tobacco use can also mask other problems that cause bleeding of the 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 vitamin supplements.
- Avoid aspirin unless your health care provider has recommended that you take it.
- If side effects of a medicine are causing the bleeding gums, ask your provider to prescribe a different drug. Never change your medicine without first talking to your provider.
- Use an oral irrigation device on the low setting to massage your gums.
- See your dentist if your dentures or other dental appliances do not fit well or are causing sore spots on your gums.
- Follow your dentist's instructions on how to brush and floss so you can avoid hurting your gums.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Consult your 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
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums and ask you about the problem. Your dentist will also ask about your oral care habits. You may also be asked about your diet and the medicines you take.
Tests that may be performed include:
- Blood studies such as a CBC (complete blood count) or blood differential
- X-rays of your teeth and jawbone
Alternative Names
Gums - bleeding
References
Chow AW. Infections of the oral cavity, neck, and head. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 64.
Hayward CPM. Clinical approach to the patient with bleeding or bruising. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 128.
Teughels W, Laleman I, Quirynen M, Jakubovics N. Biofilm and periodontal microbiology. In: Newman MG, Takei HH, Klokkevold PR, Carranza FA, eds. Newman and Carranza's Clinical Periodontology. 13th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2019:chap 8.
Gum Problem Basics: Sore, Swollen and Bleeding Gums
In many instances, swollen and bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease. However, there are a number of other things that could be causing your gum problems. Whatever the cause of sore, painful gums, there are steps you can take to minimize gum damage and discomfort.
How To Naturally Treat Bleeding Gums
How To Treat Bleeding Gums Naturally: 3 Excellent Ways!
If you are suffering from bleeding gums, swollen gums or gum pain we know how painful and uncomfortable this can be. Bleeding gums can make everyday activities like chewing, drinking or brushing painful and unpleasant.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.
