Health Tip: Prevent Bleeding Gums
March 12, 2009, 12:02 PM ET
• 1 min read
Mar. 12 -- (HealthDay News) -- Bleeding gums can occur because teeth haven't been properly brushed and flossed, or as a side effect of conditions including leukemia, scurvy or vitamin K deficiency.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to help keep gums healthy:
Don't smoke or use other forms of tobacco.Take vitamin supplements, as recommended by your doctor.Don't take aspirin, unless your doctor advises otherwise.If medication is causing your gums to bleed, ask your doctor about possible alternatives.Massage your gums gently with an oral irrigation tool. Set the device on low.Make sure dentures fit properly, and talk to your dentist if they cause bleeding or soreness.If your gums do bleed, wet a gauze pad with ice water and hold it to the affected area.