How to Heal Bleeding Gums Naturally

“My gums always bleed, don’t worry about it. It is normal for me.” If I had a dollar for every-time I’ve heard that, I would be writing this from one of those cozy over-the-water bungalows in the Maldives, instead of writing from my useless animal farm in Hicktown, USA. If you are one of the people that uses that phrase, this may come as a shock, but bleeding gums is never “normal”. Bleeding gums is an indicator that (as my former boss would say) your oral health is not copacetic. (He loved to use the word copacetic.)

Bleeding gums is an indicator that something is causing inflammation in your gum tissue. Your immune system is working hard for you to help eliminate the cause of inflammation, hence the increased blood flow. Bleeding gums may be a localized problem due to bacteria, or it could be a systemic issue that has an oral manifestation. If your gums bleed often, make sure you are seeing your physician regularly for check ups and blood work to rule out any systemic disease.

If you regularly visit your physician and dental hygienist and your only issue is bleeding gums, boy do I have some great news for you! I know a great way to heal your bleeding gums at home naturally. I’ve seen it work with my own eyes. I know this is unconventional for most “at home natural healing protocols”, but there is even some science-based evidence that backs this protocol. You have several options for this protocol, any of the following methods will work. The first method is called flossing, this is where you use a cord of thin filaments to remove food, plaque and bacteria from between your teeth in areas a toothbrush can not reach. The proper technique is to guide the cord or floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the cord or floss into the gums. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth. Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions. Repeat on the rest of your teeth. Don’t forget the back side of your last tooth.[1]

If the idea of using a cord is not natural enough for you, your second option is water flossing. There are several different options when purchasing a water flosser. Don’t get overwhelmed, start with an affordable model, and if you love water flossing and would like all the bells and whistles, then you can always upgrade. Compared to string floss, water flossing is easier and doesn’t require you to put your hands in your mouth or deal with used string floss. This is particularly good for people that have a hard time reaching back teeth with string floss. To use a water flosser, place the flosser tip in your mouth, close your lips most of the way, and lean over the sink. Then turn the power on. As you floss along the gumline and between your teeth, allow the water to empty from your mouth into the sink.[2]

A third method, and one not discussed as often as the previous methods is using interdental brushes. An interdental brush is a small brush specially designed for cleaning between your teeth, where a regular toothbrush doesn’t reach. Using an interdental brush every day, as a complement to tooth brushing, is an easy and efficient method to keep your gums and teeth fresh and healthy. Cleaning with an interdental brush prevents gum inflammation, cavities and bad breath.[3]

Proper protocol is to brush (twice a day) and floss with cord, a water flosser or an inter-dental brush EVERY. SINGLE. DAY!! Frequency is key, you can not slack or all your effort will be for nothing. Let me say it one more time for the people in the back, floss EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. If you follow protocol this is a guaranteed method to heal bleeding gums at home. You can do it! I believe in you! Feel free to contact me via email or comment on this post, if you need any guidance or encouragement.

Resources:

1. 5 Steps to a Flawless Floss. Retrieved from www.mouthhealthy.org

2. Retrieved from https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/buying-guide/what-is-a-water-flosser/

3. Retrieved from https://www.tepeusa.com/pages/interdental-cleaning