Gum inflammation occurs for various reasons, but the most common cause is gum disease, of which there are two types:
1. Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. It occurs when plaque (a film of food, saliva and bacteria) sticks to your teeth and builds up along your gum line. “This makes the gums red, swollen and more likely to bleed,” says Nicole Mackie, DDS, MS, FACP, founder of the Dr. Nicole Mackie Dental Implant Specialty Center in Las Vegas.
2. Periodontitis
Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis goes untreated. Without regular dental care, plaque can harden and turn into a deposit called tartar. Dr. Mackie says that tartar tends to accumulate beneath your gum line, irritating your gums more and making them bleed worse.
How to stop bleeding gums with home remedies
3. Swish with saltwater
When it comes to the question of how to stop bleeding gums, a saltwater rinse can provide prompt relief since “salt has natural disinfectant properties,” Dr. Mackie says. She suggests mixing 1 tsp. of salt into 1 cup of warm water. Stir until the salt dissolves, then swish it around your mouth for 15 to 30 seconds. Spit out the saltwater and repeat the same steps two or three times. According to Dr. Mackie, this helps reduce inflammation and defend against gum-aggravating bacteria.
Several studies have confirmed saltwater’s gum-supporting benefits. One in Evidence-Based Dentistry found that saltwater rinses reduced inflammation after gum surgery. This led researchers to conclude that a saltwater rinse is an affordable, easy treatment for gum inflammation and gum disease. Tip: Too much salt can actually irritate your gums — less is more. (Click through to see more benefits of gargling salt water.)
4. Make a turmeric paste
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice frequently used in South Asian cooking. It has a sweet, slightly peppery flavor that’s essential to dishes like Indian curries. But that’s not all. Dr. Mackie says it also has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
These healing powers are particularly beneficial for bleeding gums. A review in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that turmeric was as effective at treating gum disease as chlorhexidine, a common mouthwash ingredient. The scientists found that turmeric reduced the amount of harmful plaque in the mouth and eased inflammation.
Another study in the Journal of Natural Science, Biology, and Medicine looked at the use of turmeric paste on bleeding gums. In that study, folks applied a paste made of 1 tsp. of turmeric, ½ tsp. of salt and ½ tsp. of mustard oil to their teeth and gums twice daily. After 21 days, researchers found that the turmeric paste was just as effective at treating gum problems (like bleeding and inflammation) as chlorhexidine mouthwash. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc3633300/The turmeric paste also helped eliminate harmful oral bacteria. (Extra turmeric leftover after tending to your gums? Click through to see how turmeric speeds weight loss).
5. Try oil pulling
Folks in India have practiced oil pulling for thousands of years. It involves rinsing your mouth with plant-based oil (like sesame oil or coconut oil) to brighten your smile, freshen your breath and ward off bacteria.
“Most people use coconut oil due to its antibacterial properties,” Dr. Mackie says. To get started, measure out 1 Tbs. of coconut oil and put it in your mouth. “Swish the oil for 15 to 20 minutes to get the full soothing effect.” After, spit the oil into the trash and rinse your mouth with water.
Oil pulling provides benefits similar to saltwater rinses and turmeric paste. A review in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene found that oil pulling provided similar gum health benefits to rinsing with chlorhexidine mouthwash. Plus it reduces plaque buildup, a top cause of bleeding gums.
