After brushing or flossing your teeth, you may notice some blood because of irritated sensitive gums. But you shouldn’t panic. Gum bleeding is common and usually not a dangerous problem. 

Plaque or tartar buildup is the most prevalent cause of a person's gums bleeding. These chemicals promote the growth of germs near the gum line. Sensitivity and bleeding can be avoided by practicing good dental hygiene.

The following are some of the most common reasons for sensitive or bleeding gums:

• Instead of carefully pushing down and hugging the sides of each tooth, use dental floss forcefully.
• Not brushing their teeth frequently enough (at least twice a day).
• Using a ragged, worn-out toothbrush that no longer cleans properly.
• Taking aspirin, blood thinners, or ibuprofen.
• Using an overly harsh or stiff toothbrush.
• Having gingivitis (early-stage gum disease).

To stop gum bleeding and keep it from happening again, try the procedures listed below.

1. Use ice

To relieve swollen, bleeding gums, apply a cool compress, a tiny ice pack, or an ice cube.

Ice packs are very useful for reducing swelling from minor oral injuries such as cuts and scrapes. They can also help with gingivitis pain and swelling.

Use ice for 10 minutes at a time, with 10-minute rests in between. Some people may consider consulting a doctor if the bleeding does not stop.

2. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water

Rinsing the mouth with salt water can help eliminate microorganisms and accelerate healing. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), an oral salt rinse can be made by combining half a teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water.

Swish the salt rinse around your mouth to clean it out, then spit it out. Repeat this multiple times per day or as your dentist prescribes.

3. Use gauze

People can help stop the gum bleeding by immediately applying clean, damp gauze to the injured region.

Gently press the gauze against the wound until the blood stops pouring.

People who have a weakened immune system or another medical condition may find that it takes a long time for their gums to stop bleeding. Consult a dentist to determine the best way to stop the blood flow.

4. Antibacterial mouthwash 

Antibacterial mouthwashes help treat as well as prevent bleeding gums. They eliminate bacteria and reduce inflammation to relieve sore, swollen, and bleeding gums.

It can also be used to treat and prevent gingivitis, a major cause of bleeding gums.

Mouthwashes commonly contain hydrogen peroxide or chlorohexidine as an active ingredient.

Always keep mouthwash close to manage bleeding gums. People can buy mouthwash at drug stores or compare products online.

5. Consider quitting smoking

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is a primary cause of gum disease.

Smoking weakens the immune system, making it less capable of fighting off bacteria that naturally adhere to the gums.

When the gums are damaged, smoking makes it more difficult for the body to mend the tissues.

Quitting smoking helps the entire body and improves the health of a person's mouth and gums significantly. When people quit smoking, they frequently notice an improvement in their oral health.

When should you visit the dentist?

The simplest approach to avoid bleeding gums is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But if the problem occurs frequently or does not resolve with regular oral hygiene practices, you should consult your dentist right away.

Gum pain, redness, or bleeding should not be a daily problem. Your dentist can check for early-stage gum disease and other concerns. Such symptoms of an infection, like fever or swelling, should be red flags for you to call your dentist.