Bleeding gums

Alternative Names

Home Care

• Visit the dentist at least once every 6 months for plaque removal. Follow your dentist's home care instructions.
• Brush teeth gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush after every meal. The dentist may recommend rinsing with salt water or hydrogen peroxide and water. Avoid using commercial, alcohol-containing mouthwashes, which aggravate the problem.
• Floss teeth twice a day to keep plaque from building up.
• Eliminate between-meal snacks and reduce carbohydrate intake to help prevent plaque build-up on teeth.
• Use an oral irrigation device on the low setting to massage the gums.
• Maintain a balanced, healthy diet.

• Avoid the use of tobacco, which aggravates bleeding gums.
• Have poorly fitting dentures adjusted and relined by your dentist if they are causing sore spots in gums.
• Avoid aspirin unless your health care provider has recommended that you take it.
• Control gum bleeding by applying pressure directly on the gums with a gauze pad soaked in ice water.
• If you have been diagnosed with a vitamin deficiency, take recommended vitamin supplements
• If side effects of medication are irritating, ask your doctor to adjust or substitute another medication. Never change your medication without consulting your doctor.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Consult your health care provider if:

• Your gums continue to bleed even after treatment
• The bleeding is severe or chronic
• Other unexplained symptoms are associated with the bleeding

Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums, and ask questions such as:

• Are the gums bleeding a large amount?
• Did the bleeding begin recently?
• Do the gums bleed frequently or only occasionally?
• Have you had gum problems before?
• How often do you brush?
• How often do you floss?
• Do you use a soft or hard bristled toothbrush?
• How vigorously do you brush?
• What other home care aids do you use (toothpicks or other)?
• When was the last time you had your teeth cleaned at the dentist?
• Have you changed your diet?
• Do you eat adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables?
• Do you take supplemental vitamins?
• Do you have a high carbohydrate diet (pasta)?
• What medications do you take? Do you take anticonvulsants, anticoagulants (such as Coumadin, heparin), or aspirin?
• Are you pregnant?
• Have you changed mouthwash or tooth paste recently?
• What other symptoms do you have? (for example, sore throat)

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Blood studies such as a CBC or blood differential
• X-rays of the teeth and jawbone