Page 76 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

74 COMMON CONDITIONS: MOUTH, NOSE, AND THROAT PROBLEMS

Bleeding gums

Bleeding from the gums is usually a sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis). Healthy gums are pale and firm, but
diseased gums may become purplish red, swollen, and shiny, and bleed when you brush your teeth. Your breath
may smell unpleasant. The cause is usually a buildup of plaque (a deposit formed from food particles, saliva,
and bacteria) at the base of the teeth due to poor oral hygiene. Bleeding gums can also be due to vigorous
brushing or poorly fitting dentures. You may be prone to them during pregnancy or if you take certain drugs.

See also Bad breath, p.72.

See your dentist or doctor first
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Arrange to see your dentist or doctor if:
Oral hygiene The following oral hygiene
● You have a toothache or loose teeth
routine helps reduce the risk of gum disease
● You bruise easily and feel tired and weak
and prevent tooth decay. Brush your teeth at least
● You are taking a prescribed medicine, such
twice a day, and replace your toothbrush every
as an anticoagulant, that may cause bleeding
2–3 months. Clean between your teeth with dental
gums. Don’t stop taking prescribed medicine
floss or tape. There are many types available; tape
without consulting your doctor may be more comfortable for your gums.
Brush your teeth
before going to bed
What you can do yourself 1 and when you get
up in the morning or
Use these measures to help your gums heal and after breakfast. Use
prevent more serious damage to gums and teeth. fluoride toothpaste
and a small, soft-
● If bleeding is profuse, try pressing a piece
bristled brush. Brush
of gauze or cotton ball soaked in ice-cold water all the surfaces of your
on your gums for a few minutes. teeth, especially where
they meet the gums,
● Practice good oral hygiene (see PRACTICAL
using short, vertical
TECHNIQUE, right). Brush your teeth gently using a or circular strokes.
new, soft-bristled brush, making sure you don’t
scratch your gums. Use dental tape or floss, or a Use dental tape or
floss once a day to get
tapered interdental brush (which looks like a tiny 2 rid of plaque between
bottlebrush), to clean between your teeth.
your teeth and at the
● Don’t use toothpicks to clean between your teeth, gum line. Wind a piece
because they can injure your gums. around one finger of
each hand. Keeping it
● Stop smoking, because tobacco smoke taut, move it up and
aggravates bleeding gums. down the side of a
tooth, going slightly
below the gum line.
Repeat, using fresh
Seek further medical advice pieces, for every tooth.
Arrange to see your dentist or doctor if:
● Your gums are still bleeding after you have
tried the above measures for 7–10 days
● You have any other symptoms