Home remedies for bleeding gums

Warm water with salt can kill bacteria in the mouth. The salt can also help bring down any swelling.

What you will need:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water

How to do it:

• Mix the salt in warm water (it should not be scalding hot).
• Take a big sip of the saltwater but do not swallow it.
• Swish the liquid around in your mouth for a minute or two and then spit.
• You can do this several times a day.

A study on manuka honey showed that it could reduce plaque formation and help manage gum disease.

What you will need:

• 1/2 teaspoon manuka honey

How to do it:

• Take the honey on your fingertips and massage it on your gums.
• Ask your dentist how often you can do this and if it is recommended for you.

Turmeric is known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A small study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology found that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may have similar effects as a mouthwash on oral health⁠—but this was not conclusive. More studies need to be done on the effects of turmeric on oral health specifically.

What you will need:

• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder or fresh turmeric, peeled and grated
• 1/2 cup water

How to do it:

• Add the turmeric to water, and bring it to a boil.
• Let the water cool slightly before using it as a mouthwash.

Oil pulling involves swishing an oil (often virgin coconut oil or edible oil of your preference) in your mouth for several minutes to discourage plaque buildup. Note that this is not recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) and there is limited evidence that it works. A small study has shown that it may be better than a placebo when it comes to oral health, but the evidence is by no means substantive.

What you will need:

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or edible oil of your choice)

How to do it:

• Take the oil in your mouth and swish it around.
• Try to do this for 15-20 minutes. This may be difficult in the beginning. But don't worry. Start with as much time as you are comfortable, and increase the duration over the next few days and weeks.

Applying ice to an inflamed area is always soothing. The ice also contracts blood vessels and reduces bleeding. If bleeding doesn’t stop after several minutes, go to the dentist.

Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery may be useful because of the crunching movement they generate. This may dislodge trapped food items and bacteria and be beneficial to oral health. Plus, the saliva you generate will be beneficial as well.

This remedy is to prevent bleeding gums, rather than treat them.

A vitamin K deficiency can cause bleeding gums. Green leafy vegetables contain a high amount of various vitamins and minerals that contribute to your overall health, so you should include them as a part of your balanced diet.

Add cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale and spinach to your diet. If you eat eggs, fish and meat, then these are great sources of vitamin K, too.

Bleeding gums could be a sign of vitamin C deficiency. While scurvy (extreme vitamin C deficiency) is rare now, research has shown that a deficiency of vitamin C can also speed-up the progression of periodontal disease.

Eating a balanced diet with five servings of fruits and vegetables each day can help to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Some of the yummiest sources of vitamin C like mangoes, pineapples and kiwi fruit are also high in sugar; make sure you rinse your mouth after eating them.

While they taste great, food with excess sugar can increase plaque formation since sugar will attract bacteria. Make sure you rinse your mouth thoroughly after consuming sweets and never go to bed without brushing. When you sleep, saliva production is drastically reduced making it easier for bacteria to attack. Brushing before helps tide you over that period.