Latest News

How to manage bleeding gums when self-isolating?

Bleeding gums can occur due to various reasons, so how to manage bleeding gums when self-isolating? Poor oral hygiene; impacted plaque and food debris under the gum line; trauma; gum disease; general health conditions such as diabetes; stress; hormonal imbalance; lack of vitamins due to poor diet can all contribute to bleeding gums.

Brush well

To help reduce this issue, the first step is to brush really well. This may or may not sound obvious but often plaque, tartar and food debris are the culprits of bleeding gums. The gums bleed as a reaction to the debris. Brushing really well may initially make your gums bleed more, but that should settle after a few days which means your gums are healing. Try brushing with your brush dipped in mouthwashes such as Corsydyl/ CB12 for 14 days to help promote healing. You can also try brushing with Corsydyl gel. Only use this for 14 days as Corsydyl can stain your teeth.

Try using a single tuft toothbrush for the heard to reach places. This is a very small slightly pointy tooth brush head that helps to get into the awkward places.

Use interdental aids

Clean in between your teeth / interdentally. Plaque, food debris and tartar can also build up in between your teeth so it is vital to use interdental aids such as tepe brushes, flossticks, dental tape, or waterpik. If this is done daily, it removes the harmful bacteria and food debris that causes bleeding gums. You can also try dipping your interdental brushes into Corsydyl/ CB12 mouthwash to get in between your teeth.

Rinse with a mouthwash

Use a mouthwash at a different time to tooth brushing. If you brush your teeth and then use a mouthwash you are rinsing away the benefits of the toothpaste. So a big tip is to brush your teeth and spit but do NOT rinse. Use a mouth wash such as Corsydyl/ CB12/ Peroxyl/ Curasept, and rinse in the afternoon. This means your teeth and gums are getting another helping of antibacterial action in the day!

If you have a minor swelling around the gum line or in the mouth it could be due to food debris or infection just starting or trauma. Using a mouthwash such as Corsydyl/ CB12/ Peroxyl/ Curasept for 14 days can really help. You can also try a warm salt mouth rinse. Take a cup of warm water, add 2 teaspoons of salt and rinse. This can be done 4 times a day and can help promote healing and keep the area clean.

Use a cold compress

Place a cold compress on the side of the face. This can significantly reduce facial swellings. NEVER place anything hot on the outside of the face as this will make the swelling spread. If after these measures the swelling spreads to the eye or you have difficulty breathing or swallowing you will need immediate professional help.

Take painkillers

If the gums are painful, try taking analgesics such as paracetamol and/or ibuprofen. (Always read the label). This will help ease the pain and make it manageable until you are able to see your dentist.

Try these remedies for how to manage bleeding gums when self-isolating. We’re here to help you at Time Dental. Take care of yourself and those round you.