How many times have your brushed your teeth, went to rinse your toothbrush, and noticed blood on it? Bleeding gums is an early sign of gum disease yet many people just ignore it. But fail to do something about it and you could be setting yourself up for problems in the long-run. Here’s how to stop bleeding gums.

Bleeding gums? Here’s what needs to change in your oral health routine

Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste

If you don’t already, brushing twice per day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste should be top of your list. Fluoride helps keep teeth and gums healthy because it removes plaque which causes gum disease. Make sure you don’t rinse your mouth after using your toothpaste as it will rinse away the protective fluoride.

Clean between teeth

This is another important way to stop bleeding gums. Your normal toothbrush can’t clean right between your teeth, so plaque can build up and bacteria grows, causing gum disease and tooth decay. Floss every day and use a tooth cleaner regularly.

Visit your dentist regularly

You give your car a regular service, so why not your mouth? Dentists can give teeth a deep clean and remove any plaque that can cause problems. They can also spot problems early. If you have bleeding gums, mention it on your dental visit. It might be that you’re not cleaning your teeth thoroughly enough or you might be making another oral health mistake. Whatever it is, dentists are a great source of advice.

Eat well and live a healthy life

Yes, you can stop bleeding gums with a good diet and a healthy lifestyle. It also doesn’t do your overall health any harm either. Cut down on sugar and make sure you get plenty of teeth and gum-loving minerals and vitamins in your diet from fruit and vegetables. If you smoke, get help to quit and you’ll be doing your oral health a favour. Smoking doesn’t just stain teeth, it makes it more likely that you’ll get gum disease. Smoking reduces oxygen in the blood stream so things like gum infections take longer to heal. It will also take you longer to heal after having dental treatment.

Don’t ignore bleeding gums

You wouldn’t ignore bleeding from anywhere else in your body, so don’t ignore bleeding gums! If you do, it could lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and a range of other health problems.

Follow our tips to stop gum disease in its tracks.

For more interesting articles on oral health care and the products you need for a bright and healthy smile, check out the rest of our blog.