Walking around with bleeding gums in public can knock on one’s confidence. Fortunately, there are a few home remedies to try before making your way to the dentist.
Several local factors and systemic factors can cause bleeding gums, explains the digital healthcare platform PharmEasy. Local factors include gingivitis, periodontitis, brushing forcefully, decayed teeth and poor oral health. On the other hand, systemic factors include diabetes mellitus, drug-induced bleeding, pregnancy, vitamin C deficiency, vitamin K deficiency, Von Willebrand’s disease, thrombocytopenic purpura, aplastic anaemia and leukaemia.
Besides practising good oral hygiene, to avoid gum and tooth diseases and put a confident smile back on your face, here are five home remedies to help stop bleeding gums.
1. Swish with coconut oil
The health-driven hub Healthwire says that coconut oil is one of the most essential home remedies for bleeding gums due to its two key qualities – anti-inflammatory properties and antibacterial properties. The anti-inflammatory properties help to alleviate gum irritation while antibacterial properties help fight against plaque.
If you wish to use this home remedy, Healthwire explains, “Take 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 10-15 minutes to stop bleeding gums. Perform this activity once a day.”
2. Salt water rinse
“Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth for a few seconds three to four times a day,” advises Healthwire. This mixture should help to reduce germs and stop gum bleeding.
3. Increase vitamin C and vitamin K intake
By adding more vitamin C foods – such as sweet potatoes, carrots, red peppers, and oranges – to your diet, you will be able to boost the functioning of your immune system and help prevent gum infections that cause bleeding gums, notes PharmEasy.
Regarding vitamin K, the health information platform mentioned above shares that this is necessary to make your blood clot as a deficiency can lead to easy bleeding. Foods rich in this vitamin to add to your diet include kale, green cabbage and spinach.
4. Reduce your stress
“Emotional stress can cause the body’s defences to deteriorate to the point where it can’t fight a gum infection,” states Healthwire. “Furthermore, some people are thought to neglect their oral health as a result of mental stress. Plaque builds up on their teeth as a result of this.”
5. Use a cold compress
“A cold compress when applied at the gum line can control swelling and restrict bleeding. It also helps control inflammation,” explains PharmEasy, who also shares that you can apply an ice pack to your gums several times a day to reduce bleeding.
Also see: Ran out of toothpaste? Here are simple hacks for your oral hygiene
