Medicines for Bleeding gums

What it is

Bleeding gums — most often noticed when brushing or cleaning between the teeth — are common and, in the great majority of cases, are an early sign of gum disease (gingivitis) caused by a build-up of plaque (a film of bacteria) along the gum line, which irritates and inflames the gums so they bleed easily. This is the most frequent reason gums bleed, and it is usually reversible with good oral hygiene. Other common contributors include: brushing too hard or with a hard toothbrush; starting a new flossing routine (gums may bleed for a few days before settling as they get healthier); hormonal changes (such as in pregnancy, when gums are more prone to inflammation); and some medicines (such as blood-thinners, which can make gums bleed more easily). Less commonly, persistent or unexplained bleeding gums — especially if accompanied by bleeding or bruising elsewhere, or feeling unwell — can occasionally be a sign of an underlying condition (such as a blood or clotting problem), which is why bleeding that is persistent, severe, or unexplained warrants assessment. For most people, though, bleeding gums reflect gum inflammation from plaque, and improving oral hygiene resolves it.

How it is treated

Because bleeding gums are usually due to gum inflammation from plaque, the main approach is improving oral hygiene to remove the plaque and let the gums return to health — and, counter-intuitively, this includes continuing to brush and clean the gums gently but thoroughly (rather than avoiding the bleeding area), as good cleaning is what settles the inflammation. Key measures are: brushing thoroughly twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste (with a soft brush, along the gum line), and cleaning between the teeth daily (with floss or interdental brushes) — if starting this, some initial bleeding is common and usually settles within a couple of weeks as the gums become healthier. A dentist or hygienist should assess bleeding gums and provide professional cleaning (scale and polish) to remove tartar, and advise on technique. Addressing contributing factors helps — stopping smoking, and managing conditions such as diabetes. With good oral hygiene and professional care, bleeding gums from gingivitis usually resolve. Where bleeding is persistent despite good oral hygiene, severe, or unexplained (or comes with bleeding or bruising elsewhere, or feeling unwell), a doctor or dentist assesses for other causes. The reassuring message is that bleeding gums are usually an early, reversible sign of gum disease from plaque, and improve with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning — so bleeding gums are worth acting on, and persistent or unexplained bleeding should be checked.