Bleeding gums, especially during brushing, may leave you feeling unconfident and discomforted about your oral health. We’ve compiled a list of natural cures and recommendations to help you deal with this uncomfortable condition. Continue reading.
Home Remedies For Bleeding Gums
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (1), (2). This may reduce the inflammation in the gums and may help fight plaque. You Will Need 1 tablespoon of coconut oil What You Have To Do Swish coconut oil in your mouth for 10-15 minutes. How Often You Should Do This Do this once a day.
2. Toothpaste
The fluoride in toothpaste helps reduce bacteria in the mouth and contributes to dental health (3). You Will Need Fluoride toothpaste What You Have To Do Brush your teeth with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste to combat the plaque on your gums. How Often You Should Do This Brush your teeth 2 times a day for best results.
3. Essential Oils
a. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil exhibits powerful antiseptic and antimicrobial properties (4). This may help in treating infections that cause bleeding gums. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties (5). This may help in reducing inflammation and swelling of the gums. You Will Need
1-2 drops of tea tree oil 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 2 times a day.
b. Clove Oil
Clove oil contains phenolic compounds like eugenol. This compound imparts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to it (6), (7). Additionally, clove oil is also a natural analgesic (8). These properties may be highly effective in treating bleeding gums and gingivitis. You Will Need
2 drops of clove oil 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 2 times a day.
4. Vitamins
Bleeding gums may be a result of vitamin C deficiencies (9). Hence, increase the intake of foods rich with vitamin C, like citrus fruits, leafy vegetables, berries, peas, sprouts, fish, meat, and eggs. Note: Consult a doctor before taking additional vitamin supplements.
5. Salt Water Mouth Rinse
Salt exhibits anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties (10), (11). This may help in reducing the inflammation and swelling and combat infections that cause bleeding gums. You Will Need
1 teaspoon of salt 1 glass of warm water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 2-3 times a day.
6. Honey
Honey exhibits strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (12), (13). The antibacterial properties may help against bacterial infections like gingivitis that cause gums to bleed. The anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the inflammation and swelling of gums. You Will Need Honey What You Have To Do Take a little honey on your fingertips and massage it gently on your gums. How Often You Should Do This Do this 2 times a day.
7. Tea Bags
Tea contains a compound called tannic acid. This compound exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties (14). These may help stop bleeding in the gums and kill the bacteria that cause the condition. You Will Need
1 tea bag Hot water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 1-2 times a day.
8. Milk
Milk contains high amounts of calcium (15). This may strengthen the gums and stop bleeding. Milk also possesses anti-inflammatory properties (16). This may help in reducing and soothing the inflammation caused by the condition. You Will Need 1 cup of warm milk What You Have To Do Drink a cup of warm milk whenever your gums begin to bleed. How Often You Should Do This Do this 1-2 times a day. Note: Brush your teeth after consuming milk to avoid the formation of plaques.
9. Cayenne Powder
Cayenne pepper is a rich source of a compound called capsaicin. Capsaicin exhibits anti-inflammatory properties (17). This may help in reducing the inflammation and swelling of the gums. It is also antibacterial (18). This may treat microbial infections that cause gums to bleed. You Will Need A pinch of cayenne pepper powder What You Have To Do
- Wet your toothbrush and add a pinch of cayenne pepper to it. 2. Brush your teeth. How Often You Should Do This Do this 1-2 times a day.
10. Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice contains compounds like anthocyanins and phenolic acids. These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (19). Thus, cranberry juice may treat bleeding gums. You Will Need 1 cup of unsweetened cranberry juice What You Have To Do Drink a cup of unsweetened cranberry juice. How Often You Should Do This Do this once a day.
11. Lemon Juice
Lemon has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (20), (21). This may help in combating bacteria that makes the gum bleed and may also reduce inflammation. You Will Need
1 lemon 1 cup of water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this daily after every meal.
12. Oil Pulling
Research shows that oil pulling is good for oral health. It helps fight infections like gingivitis and periodontitis that cause the gums to bleed (22), (23). You Will Need 1 tablespoon of sesame oil or coconut oil What You Have To Do Swish sesame or coconut oil in your mouth for 10-15 minutes. How Often You Should Do This Do this once a day.
13. Turmeric
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin. Curcumin exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (24), (25). This may treat the inflammation and infection of gums. You Will Need
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1/2 teaspoon of mustard oil
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 2 times a day.
14. Ginger
Ginger contains a compound called gingerol. This compound is known to exhibit exceptional anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties (26), (27) . These may help heal inflamed gums and simultaneously treat the infections that cause them to bleed. You Will Need Grated ginger What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 1-2 times a day.
15. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is well known for its healing properties. Its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce inflammation and bleeding (28). Moreover, it also exhibits antibacterial properties (29). They may be effective against oral pathogens that cause gum diseases like gingivitis. You Will Need 1/2-1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel What You Have To Do Apply aloe vera gel to the bleeding gums with your fingertips. How Often You Should Do This Do this 2-3 times a day.
16. Baking Soda
Baking soda possesses antibacterial properties (30). This may kill the bacteria that cause the gums to bleed. It may also balance the pH in your mouth and may help remove plaques and stains on your teeth (31), (32). You Will Need
1 teaspoon of baking soda 1 cup of warm water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 2-3 times a day, preferably after meals.
17. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. The magnesium in Epsom salt not only helps relieve inflammation but also fights the infections that cause your gums to bleed (33). You Will Need
2 tablespoons of Epsom salt 1 cup of warm water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 1-2 times a day.
18. Mustard Oil
Mustard oil exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (34). This may treat oral infections and inflammation. You Will Need 1/2 teaspoon of mustard oil What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 2 times a day.
19. Neem
Neem leaves have been used for centuries for their healing and medicinal properties. They possess antimicrobial properties (35). This may help in combating bacterial and fungal infections that cause plaques and bleeding gums. You Will Need 1 or 2 neem leaves What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You must do this on a daily basis, preferably after every meal.
20. Apple Cider Vinegar
Acetic acid is the major component of apple cider vinegar. Acetic acid exhibits anti-inflammatory properties (36). This may help in relieving inflammation and swelling in the gums. You Will Need
1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar 1 cup of warm water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this at least once a day. These remedies may be effective if you use them and follow a few preventive tips as well. Given below are some tips that may prevent your gums from bleeding in the future and ensure that you follow a good oral hygiene routine.
Tips To Prevent Bleeding Gums
Brush your teeth twice daily, preferably after meals.
Use a soft or medium bristled brush to brush your teeth.
Do not brush too harshly because it may damage the soft tissues of your gums.
Floss daily to remove the plaque between your teeth.
Apply a cold compress to the bleeding gums to prevent further bleeding.
Quit smoking and using tobacco.
Consuming foods like yogurt, cranberries, green tea, soy, ginger, and garlic can prevent bleeding and make your gums and teeth healthy.
Bleeding gums are the first and foremost signs of gum disease. They may also be caused due to other factors that are discussed below.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Gingivitis: Plaques may form on the gum line if good oral hygiene is not maintained. The accumulation of these plaques may cause gingivitis, which, in turn, may lead to inflammation and bleeding of the gums.
Periodontitis: When gingivitis is left untreated, and it continues to an advanced stage, it is known as periodontitis or periodontal disease. This leads to infection of the gums and the jaw. It may also cause the teeth to loosen and fall out.
Vitamin C and K deficiencies
Individuals wearing dentures may also experience bleeding gums.
The hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause bleeding gums.
Medical conditions, like hemophilia and leukemia, may also be an underlying cause of bleeding gums.
Since bleeding gums may also be a result of a serious underlying condition, they should not be disregarded. This condition may usually be painless and hence very difficult to identify. However, if you notice the onset of any of the following symptoms other than the obvious bleeding, it is a strong indication that you have developed this condition.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Bleeding Gums?
The most common signs of bleeding gums include:
Swollen and red gums Gums that recede from the tooth Constant bad breath or taste in the mouth Loosening of your teeth Formation of pus around your gums and teeth Bleeding and inflamed gums
What type of toothpaste is good for bleeding gums? Fluoride toothpaste is good for bleeding gums. Can a mouthwash stop swollen gums and bleeding gums? A good antimicrobial mouthwash may reverse the effects of gingivitis and can also prevent inflamed and bleeding gums. Why are my gums bleeding while brushing? Gingivitis or the accumulation of plaque on your gums may often result in bleeding gums while brushing. Why do gums bleed during pregnancy? During pregnancy, your body undergoes many hormonal changes, which may cause your gums to bleed. When to visit a dentist for bleeding gums? If your gums continue to bleed despite treatments, it is best to consult a dentist to find out if you have an underlying medical condition. Are bleeding gums dangerous? Bleeding gums may sometimes be a symptom of a more serious disease like cancer or hemophilia and may prove to be dangerous in such situations. Also, if plaques are left untreated for too long, your oral health may deteriorate to such an extent that your teeth may begin to fall out. Can stress cause bleeding gums? Stress directly affects our immune system which can cause numerous dental issues like periodontal disease. Periodontal disease includes conditions like bleeding gums and pain (37).
