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Health

What are the Best Tips to Stop Bleeding Gums?

By Meshell Powell
Updated Feb 26, 2024
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Bleeding gums are a common problem that can have several different causes. In many cases, the gums may bleed if a person uses a hard-bristled toothbrush or too much pressure is applied to the gums when brushing. This problem may also be the result of a gum disease. There are a number of options available to help stop bleeding gums, including lifestyle changes, mouth rinses, and dietary modification. Diagnosing and treating the underlying problem may also help to stop bleeding from being a continuing problem.

One of the most popular methods used to stop bleeding gums is gargling with warm salt water. The recommended mixture is generally 0.5 teaspoon (3 g) of table salt mixed with 1 cup (236.5 ml) of warm water. A person should then swish this mixture around in the mouth for a few seconds, gargle, and spit out the mixture. Equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water can also be used as a gargle.

Triphala is an herb that originated in India and is sometimes used in a gargling mixture to stop the gums from bleeding. This mixture is made by combining 1 teaspoon (about 3.5 g) of triphala with 1 cup (236.5 ml) of water. Some people report success in using a toothpaste containing an herb known as bloodroot as well.

Homemade mouthwashes may also help to stop this problem. A popular mixture contains peppermint oil, chamomile, and sage oil. Clove oil may be placed directly on the gums in order to stop bleeding, although some people prefer to simply chew on a whole clove. Others recommend rubbing aloe vera paste on the gums to stop the bleeding, carefully rinsing the mouth once the bleeding stops.

Taking a vitamin C supplement may help stop bleeding gums in some people. Deficiencies in this vitamin may lead to a medical condition known as scurvy, which often causes problems with the gums and teeth. Tobacco usage may also increase the chances of developing bleeding gums, so it should be stopped.

If bleeding gums are a chronic problem, the sufferer should see a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Some forms of gum disease may require medical treatment. If harmful bacteria enter the bloodstream as a result of damage to the gums, the infection could potentially travel throughout the entire body, causing severe medical problems if not diagnosed and treated right away. Frequent dental cleanings can often allow the dentist to detect possible problems before serious medical issues develop.

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Discussion Comments

By josarah29 — On Feb 14, 2013

I also use Oral Botanica. I used to have severe gum bleeding and gum receding, despite regular flossing and brushing the teeth twice a day. Even thought I used a soft brush, it did not help.

For more than a year, I have been using Oral Botanica, and it really works. Since then, I've stopped using toothpaste and have no more gum bleeding.

By gilc — On Oct 12, 2012

If you are suffering from profusely bleeding gums, you may want to try the organic oil from Botanica Culture.

This is very effective and it stopped my gums from bleeding within four days.

I used this to replace my toothpaste. First, I have to floss and then use a very soft brush with three drops of the Oral Botanica formula.

By LisaLou — On Jan 09, 2012

One thing that has really helped me is using an electric toothbrush. This comes with different attachments and it is easier to control the pressure I put on my teeth and gums.

Before using this type of toothbrush, I had problems with a sore mouth and bleeding gums. I also get quite a bit of plaque build up on my teeth, and need to have them cleaned more often than most people.

Going 6 months between teeth cleaning is too long for me. Besides changing my toothbrush, the best bleeding gums treatment that worked for me is having my teeth cleaned every 4 months.

By andee — On Jan 08, 2012

@wander - I always had bleeding gums when I flossed my teeth, but I figured out it was because I was not flossing often enough.

Flossing was never part of my regular routine, but a few days before I was going to be seeing the dentist, I would floss my teeth.

My gums would always bleed when I did this. At first I thought it was because of the flossing. Come to find out, I needed to floss more.

My gums were not in very good shape and any slight pressure would cause them to bleed. Once I began a regular flossing routine, my gums no longer bleed.

My gums and teeth are much healthier and flossing is what has made all the difference for me.

By David09 — On Jan 07, 2012

@SkyWhisperer - Vitamin C is definitely the vitamin you need for healthy gums. However, I would recommend that you take Vitamin C in its natural form if you have gum problems. That is, forget the supplements.

Just start eating a lot of oranges. I think this will be better for you than just taking tablets. I always suspect that supplements never give you everything you need.

I believe that by eating a lot of oranges you will get the Vitamin C you need in its purest form.

By SkyWhisperer — On Jan 07, 2012

@nony - I’ve heard that the mouth is a predictor of possibly worse health problems. For example, people with bleeding gums may in fact be high risk patients for heart disease or some other condition like that.

I think it’s because the bleeding gums indicate an infection which may travel throughout the body. In that sense you shouldn’t treat the condition lightly.

Find out if there is an underlying medical condition. While it’s certainly possible to cause your gums to bleed through flossing, usually the opposite is more likely to be true – poor oral hygiene, including not flossing, will cause your gums to bleed. Regardless, check with your dentist to find out the true cause so that your health as a whole does not deteriorate.

By nony — On Jan 06, 2012

Periodontal disease will usually respond to treatment. I have gingivitis and use special toothpaste and soft toothbrushes to fight my gum disease, in addition to proper flossing.

But one thing I would really like to emphasize is the importance of massaging your gums. If you massage your gums, you will reduce and possibly completely eliminate the amount of bleeding that you experience.

Not only that, your teeth will be easier to floss. Massaging stimulates blood circulation and makes the gums stronger. In some respects it is almost as important as brushing your teeth. I got this advice from my dentist and massaging my gums really helped a lot.

By wander — On Jan 05, 2012

Does anyone know if stopping flossing works as a good remedy for bleeding gums?

I always brush my teeth and floss, but it seems that flossing now causes my gums to bleed and it is putting me off it. I know that flossing is supposed to be part of a healthy dental routine but if it doesn't work for me perhaps my teeth are now to sensitive. I am wondering now if I should go to my dentist and ask about my flossing problems. I don't have any toothaches so it seems a bit much to pay to see a dentist for a little blood.

By drtroubles — On Jan 04, 2012

@manykitties2 - If you just had a checkup and there was no bleeding gums cause I would suggest switching to a softer tooth brush and seeing if that helps at all. My dentist gives out free toothbrushes but I found that they are usually to hard for me and actually cause more problems then they solve.

If you switch to a softer brush and try the salt rinses and still have swollen bleeding gums I would definitely head back to your dentist and see what is up. While gum disease is unlikely in such a short time there could be some other problem that needs medical treatment. In this case I would say it's better to be safe than sorry.

By manykitties2 — On Jan 04, 2012

Can anyone tell me how to stop bleeding gums quickly?

I have noticed lately that I have sore bleeding gums during brushing and am worried that I may have a real problem. I had a dental checkup just last month so I don't think I have suddenly developed gingivitis in such a short time as I haven't changed any of my daily tooth care habits.

I hate having bleeding gums because it leaves an awful taste in my mouth and using mouth wash makes me feel a bit queasy when I am bleeding. I don't like the idea of adding something that strong to my mouth when it is having problems.

By nextcorrea — On Jan 04, 2012

Bleeding gums are often a sign of poor oral hygiene. There is not a lot of easy ways to stop the bleeding once it has started, but taking care to brush and floss daily can be an effective preventative measure.

If regular oral maintenance does not help though it may be a sign of a larger problem. If the bleeding is profuse or caused by seemingly random causes you may want to consult a doctor.

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