When your gums bleed, you may often write it off as that you brushed too hard or flossed too vigorously. But the truth is, bleeding gums are often the first sign of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.
Other symptoms often include red, swollen gums. Left untreated, gum disease only gets worse, but rinsing your mouth can help prevent that from happening.
What Happens As Gum Disease Progresses?
Gum disease in an infection of the gums. It starts out with inflamed gums, but can quickly get worse if not promptly addressed. When gum disease becomes periodontitis, the infection has spread below the gum line. It can get into your teeth and your jawbone, leading to receding gums, tooth decay, bone loss and, ultimately, tooth loss. Gingivitis is the easiest form of gum disease to treat, and should be treated when gums bleed.
Antibacterial Mouthwashes
Gum disease is caused by bacteria in your mouth that feed off of leftover food particles. Without intervention, these bacteria multiply and invade all crevices of your mouth, wreaking havoc on your gums and teeth. Antibacterial mouthwashes contain agents that reduce the total amount of infection causing bacteria in your mouth, which can help to heal your gums.
Avoid Mouthwash With Alcohol
While alcohol is good at killing bacteria, it is not necessarily the way to go when you have bleeding gums. Alcohol can actually lead to dry mouth. And a dry mouth is the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. It can also cause discomfort to sensitive gums.
Salt Water
A salt water solution can also help your bleeding gums heal. Salt increases the pH of your mouth, making the environment, one that bacteria can’t survive in. It also helps to draw out infection and reduces any swelling in your gums. Water mixed with baking soda can also temporarily increase the pH of your mouth, making it difficult for bacteria to thrive.
While rinsing your mouth out after you notice bleeding gums is a great way to stop gum disease from getting worse and start the healing process, it is just a part of the solution. A regular brushing and flossing routine is also needed and you should always visit your dentist at least twice a year. And if you notice that your gums are getting worse, contact our office right away.