Is it bad that my gums always bleed?
The short answer is yes. Gum tissue that bleeds and is not caused by injury, usually occurs from inadequate plaque removal.
Bleeding of the gums often means that harmful bacteria has caused an infection. Gum infections can eventually transfer into the bloodstream and cause or worsen many medical conditions. It can make you susceptible to heart disease and stroke.
Another problem, gum disease can cause long term infection of the gums eventually causing the bone that holds your teeth to dissolve and be permanently lost. Your teeth can become loose and then fall out. This is a slow process and the pain doesn’t present itself until it’s too late.
Ways to manage and avoid bleeding gums:
1. Good Oral Hygiene Habits
If you don’t brush or floss enough, bacteria can spread around and cause tooth decay or gum disease. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once a day and see your dental hygienist twice a year.
2. Quit smoking
Smoking is considered a major cause of severe gum disease. Smoking lowers the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off plaque bacteria.
3. Add more vitamin C to you diet
Eating foods rich in vitamin C can strengthen your immune system and help fight off the gum infections that cause bleeding gums. Not getting enough vitamin C in your diet may worsen bleeding if you already have gum disease.
4. Increase your intake of vitamin K
Taking a vitamin K supplement may help with bleeding gums. Vitamin K is an important nutrient because it helps your blood clot.
5. Apply a cold compress
Bleeding gums aren’t always caused by gum disease. Your gums may also bleed from trauma or an injury to the gum tissue.
Apply an ice pack or a cold cloth to your gums a few times a day for twenty minutes at a tme.
6. Eat less carbs
Carbohydrates and sugary foods encourage plaque and the growth of bacteria. Eating less carbs can help with this because more plaque accumulated on your gums, the more likely your gums will bleed.
7. Drink green tea
Drinking green tea daily might also reverse periodontal disease and stop bleeding gums. The catechin in green tea is a natural antioxidant that can lower the body’s inflammatory response to bacteria in your mouth.
If you are concerned about your bleeding gums, call us at 780-424-6699 and book a hygiene appointment. We can help you overcome this issue and start to solve the problem.