Gum Health

[BlackMagicRose]

Does anyone have problems with bleeding gums? What do you do to prevent it. I will not be able to see a dentist for a while. Does the old salt water trick work? Does drinking more milk help? Please help if you have any suggestions. Thankaou.

[KarenS]

When do they bleed? When you brush? When you eat? Spontaneously?

If it happens when you brush, it might just been that you're not cleaning your teeth adequately on a daily basis. You need to brush for at least 2 minutes each time with a soft brush and you need to floss daily. It will not only remove the plaque buildup, but it will tighten up your gums and help prevent gum disease and bleeding. It may take a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup for you to be able to clean enough for hte bleeding to stop. I really would encourage you to go to a dentist as soon as possible.

If your gums are bleeding spontaneously or at other times than when you brush, you really MUST go see a doctor. Bleeding gums can be a sign of more serious medical problems. A vitamin C or vitamin K deficiency can cause bleeding gums (but is unlikely unless you're malnourished) and bleeding gums can even be as serious as a symptom of leukemia.

In the meanwhile, rinsing with a mild solution of salt water after brushing and flossing will help until you can go see a dentist or doctor.

Karen

[honeygirl]

I had/have problems with bleeding gums and this is what helps (dentist's advice).

1. I used to be a mouth breather at night (b/c of allergies). I have worked on closing my mouth as I sleep, it takes practice but is getting better. Having your mouth open dries out your gums which is BAD.

2. Take a multi-vitamin every day. (per doc)

3. Floss every day. Go in and out of each tooth (thread on the gum area) three times each tooth.

4. Use a good toothbrush, like an electric one. Brush the gums.

Good luck!

[bookworm]

My dentist and honeygirl's gave similar advice. He also said that birth control pills can contribute to gum sensitivity.

[Sabrina]

Try switching to a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth (e.g. Sensodyne) for a couple of weeks.

[CarolinaGirl]

I'm a registered dental hygienist (and an RN). Here is my recommendation. Also like honeygirl said - Floss at least once a day. You need to take the floss down into your gums, wrap it around the tooth and go up and down with it on each tooth. Make sure you get the floss down as far as it will go into the gums (but don't cut into your gums). Floss before you brush. This will allow flouride from the toothpaste to penetrate the demineralized areas caused by bacteria in plaque and prevent cavities. Bleeding gums is a symptom of gingivitis - or worse - periodontitis (gingivitis that has progressed to the bone). It is caused by inflammation by bacterial plaque. Listerine mouth wash also helps kill the germs that cause gingivitis. If your gums are really inflamed after you floss use the warm salt water until they heal and then listerine. You will notice a decrease or cessation of bleeding after 3-5 days of correct flossing. I also recommend a sonicare toothbrush. Make sure you angle your brush toward your gums and don't scrub too hard. I hope this all helps. Bacteria in the plaque is what causes the inflammation and bleeding. You must keep it out to allow your gums to heal. Salt water by itself without flossing will do nothing, toothpaste for sensitive teeth won't keep your gums from bleeding, and milk will do absolutely nothing except give the plaque some more food to keep growing.