How to fight against bleeding gums, gingivitis and periodontitis

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Bleeding gums are the first sign of their disease, including gingivitis and the more severe periodontitis. Although three quarters of the population have or have had a gum problem, it is a completely treatable pathology with impeccable oral hygiene. Read on to learn how to take care of your gums.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Understanding the Problem

Step 1. Understand why your gums bleed

In fact, it is not always a symptom of disease, although inflammation is the most common reason. There may be a medical problem that has nothing to do with your oral hygiene. If you suspect that the bleeding is related to anything other than poor brushing and flossing, see your doctor to address the situation. Bleeding gums can be related to:

• Hormonal changes.
• Diabetes.
• Heart disease.
• Clotting problems.
• Cancer.
• Scurvy.
• Anticoagulant drugs.
• Genetic factors.

Step 2. Know why it is important to treat a gum problem in the bud

In fact, it is a condition caused by the accumulation of plaque on the gums and teeth, very common over 35 years of age. Initially it is gingivitis, that is, inflammation and swelling of the gums that leads to pain and bleeding. If left untreated, gingivitis develops into (more severe) periodontitis, which weakens the oral bones and gums and eventually leads to loss of teeth.

Gum disease is related to other systemic diseases such as heart disease, heart attack and kidney disease

Step 3. Go to the dentist

The best way to deal with gum problems is to go to a specialist doctor for a deep cleansing. Your dentist will understand why your gums are bleeding, explain how to brush your teeth and floss properly, how to get rid of plaque, and tell you if you need treatment to cure periodontitis.

• Go to the dentist regularly, at least once every six months as it is a very effective way of fighting gum disease. It is not possible to remove every little piece of tartar with a brush and dental floss and when it turns into plaque, you will not be able to remove it yourself. The dentist has the proper tools for deep cleaning.

• See your dentist immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in addition to bleeding:

  • Pockets that form between the teeth and the gum.
  • Loss of teeth.
  • A change in the alignment of the teeth.
  • Retracted gums.
  • Gums swollen, red and soft to the touch.
  • Excessive bleeding when you brush your teeth.

  Part 2 of 3: Dentist Approved Remedies

  

  Step 1. Change the way you brush your teeth

  If you are one of those who believe that aggressive brushing makes your teeth cleaner, then know that your cleaning technique could be the cause of your problems. The gums are a soft and fragile tissue that should not be rubbed violently. Use a soft, rounded bristle toothbrush, never use those labeled "medium bristles" or "hard bristles." Brush your teeth twice a day with the right movement: circular, light and on all walls of teeth and gums.

  • Consider buying an electric toothbrush. It is a delicate and very effective tool that manages to reach the most difficult points to remove tartar. Choose one that is approved by the Italian Dental Doctors Association.
  • If there is a particularly sensitive area of the mouth or that bleeds more often, spend more time cleaning it. Gently massage it with your toothbrush for 3 minutes. This will remove the plaque.

  

  Step 2. Floss without injuring the gums

  Using the floss once a day is absolutely essential to stop gum bleeding. There is no other way to eliminate the small residues of tartar and food that got stuck between the teeth. However, there is a correct and a wrong technique of using floss, and this makes a difference in the treatment of gingivitis.

  • Do not snap the thread violently into the interdental space. This does not make cleaning more effective, but rather injures the delicate gums.
  • Gently insert the floss between your teeth and massage the gum. Clean the front and back of the tooth by bending the “U” floss at the top of the tooth and then moving towards the gum.

  

  Step 3. Try a water jet

  Many people use this gum "irrigation" tool to help relieve bleeding and clean the mouth more thoroughly. This is a tool that plugs into the tap and should be used after brushing your teeth and gums.

  

  Step 4. Use a non-alcoholic mouthwash

  Those that contain alcohol can overdry the gums and cause even more irritation and bleeding. It is best to rely on a peroxide-based product. You can also make a homemade one with salt water.

  

  Step 5. Consider medical treatment

  If your gums don't stop bleeding and despite everything, good hygiene doesn't seem to be enough, your dentist may recommend treatment to clear the plaque and allow the gums to heal. Here are some possibilities:

  • Tartar ablation and root planing. The dentist will give you local anesthesia and scrape the plaque, as well as smooth the rough spots of the teeth. This is a procedure to remove plaque below the gum line.
  • Elimination of gingival pockets and curettage. If the disease is advanced, the dentist may resort to surgery by reducing the space between the gums and teeth so that plaque cannot easily infiltrate.
  • Tissue or bone grafts. If periodontitis has caused the gums to recede and the bones have deteriorated, tissue and bone will be implanted after having been taken from other areas of the mouth.

  Part 3 of 3: Lifestyle Changes

  

  Step 1. Eat a healthy diet

  The gums, like the rest of the body's tissues, are affected by the supply of vitamins and nutrients. If you eat a lot of sugars and starchy foods, neglect fruits and vegetables and foods with high nutritional value, then your gums will suffer. To improve the health of your oral cavity, follow these guidelines:

  • Eliminate the sugar. Excessive sugar consumption causes tartar to build up rapidly, faster than you can brush it off. Eliminate this food and your gums will thank you.
  • Consume Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables such as mangoes, broccoli, citrus fruits, and kale.
  • Eat calcium-rich foods like dairy and spinach.

  

  Step 2. Stop smoking

  Smoking is bad for your oral hygiene. The toxins contained in cigarettes and tobacco cause gum inflammation and their disease. In fact, smokers are 6 times more likely to develop severe gum problems than non-smokers.

  • Smoking inhibits blood circulation in the gums which become more susceptible to disease.
  • Smoking reduces the effectiveness of treatments for the treatment of gum disease.

  

  Step 3. Drink lots of water

  Aim for 8 glasses of water throughout the day to help your mouth stay healthy. The water rinses the oral cavity of bacteria and prevents the accumulation of plaque. Replace your sugary drinks, coffee, and tea with water.

  Advice

  • Cleaning the tongue should be part of daily oral hygiene. According to statistics, 70% of the bacteria present in the oral cavity are found right on the tongue. These microorganisms are not only the main cause of bad breath, they also contribute to the development of gum disease and tooth decay.
  • After brushing your teeth every night, use the mouth irrigator. The amount of food residue left between your teeth after brushing them may surprise you.
  • Dental floss is essential and should be used once a day. Avoid putting too much pressure on your gums.
  • Some people find that a colloidal silver solution is also quite effective.

  Warnings

  • Remember that dental floss should also be used for complete oral hygiene!
  • The colloidal silver solution may make your skin gray or blue, so be careful not to spill it on yourself.
  • To avoid this type of oral problem, go to the dentist at least once a year. You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day and use the sprinkler at least twice a day and after all meals.