How to Get My Gums to Stop Bleeding?
If you notice that your child’s gums bleed when they brush or floss, take note. It might just be a one-time occurrence, though there’s a chance that it’s an indication of a larger issue that could benefit from professional attention. There are many factors that can contribute to bleeding gums, and there are just as many possible solutions. The solution could be simple, or it may be more involved; the only way to know for sure is to visit the dentist for a comprehensive evaluation if you notice that your child’s gums bleed more than a few times or over an extended period. Whether the solution is relatively simple or more complex, your family dentist will be able to offer some options after a thorough dental examination.
The causes of bleeding gums in children are similar to the causes of bleeding gums in adults. Certain aspects can contribute to the issue, making the tissues more sensitive to irritation or friction, but these things can affect people of any age. Some common contributing factors that might make the gums more likely to bleed are:
- Brushing or flossing too aggressively
- Hormone fluctuations
- Certain nutritional deficiencies
- Gingival inflammation
Regardless of these underlying influences, it’s never a pleasant experience when the gums bleed, and there are measures you can take to help strengthen your child’s gums and improve their oral health, just as you’d aim to do for your own health. Some of these measures will help prevent the gums from ever bleeding to begin with, while others might focus more on preventing the issue from recurring.
First and foremost, practicing solid oral hygiene is the best approach to preventing a host of oral health problems, including bleeding gums. When plaque is allowed to accumulate at the gum line, which happens in the absence of effective brushing and flossing, bacteria begin to invade beneath the gums and lead to tooth decay and gum disease. As these bacteria proliferate, they cause inflammation and infection in the gums, making them more sensitive and prone to bleeding. Proper oral hygiene is the best way to prevent this from happening, which means that children should be taught early on to brush twice daily and floss at least once a day, and they should also learn that routine visits to the dentist are important. These healthy oral hygiene habits are particularly important during puberty, when hormonal changes naturally contribute to inflammation and make the gums more prone to damage and disease.
An important thing that some people may not realize, however, is that how people brush and floss is just as important as how often they do so. One of the more common causes of bleeding gums, and a contributor to gingival recession and tooth sensitivity, is brushing or flossing too aggressively. Make sure you and your child both understand the importance of brushing in gentle circles with a soft-bristled brush, and the value of flossing along the gum line with a gliding motion rather than jamming floss between the teeth and slicing into the gums. Your child’s dental hygienist can help teach your child these proper techniques, allowing you to do your part in helping them establish and maintain healthy habits.
Just as brushing habits are important, so are healthy lifestyle habits. Certain vitamin deficiencies can contribute to inflammation and make the tissues more prone to bleeding; in particular, vitamins C and K are integral to the health of all the body’s tissues and their ability to control bleeding and healing. Additionally, simple carbohydrates help form an excellent feeding and breeding ground for bacteria, and diets high in these sugars and starches can lead to gum disease and other inflammatory health conditions; if your child’s diet is high in simple carbohydrates, make sure they brush thoroughly after every meal, and consider replacing at least some of these foods with healthier options.
Pain or discomfort caused by bleeding gums can be managed with saline mouth rinses, cold compresses applied externally, and diluted hydrogen peroxide rinses, though these approaches shouldn’t replace a dental visit and should only be used for stopgap comfort. If you notice gingival bleeding for a week or longer, make an appointment with a dentist. In many cases, a dental deep cleaning is sufficient to return the gums to health, and your dentist can also order blood screens to pinpoint any vitamin deficiencies if they suspect that’s an issue; the dentist may also refer you to a different medical professional, depending on their findings. The dentist and dental hygienist can also evaluate your child’s brushing and flossing technique and take the time to teach them the correct approaches when needed. In many cases, when any of these issues are addressed early enough, the gums and oral cavity can fully return to their normal state, and prompt attention from a dental professional during childhood could help support a lifetime of robust, healthy smiles for your child.
Related Article: When Should I Be Concerned with Bleeding Gums?