Bleeding gums are often disregarded and ignored, however they may be a sign of an underling problem with your oral health. If you are noticing that your gums are bleeding more and more commonly, it may be time to consult with your dentist about what you can do to prevent this. In this article, we will look at the causes of gum bleeding and how we can prevent them from bleeding. What causes bleeding gums? Bleeding gums can be caused by multiple factors, such as vigorous brushing, pregnancy, gum disease and inflammation. If your gums do feel inflamed or tender, this could be a sign of you developing gingivitis or periodontitis, which occurs when there is a build-up of plaque. Determining the cause of your bleeding gums means that you can choose an effective treatment in order to stop the bleeding. These treatments are varied in their length and intensity. Practicing good oral hygiene Gums most often start to bleed when there is a lack of oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day for a good amount of time can go a long way to help keeping your mouth healthy. Plaque starts to build up along the gum line when your teeth are not being brushed. It is a sticky substance containing bacteria, it covers your gums and teeth and, if not removed, can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Stop smoking Smoking is notorious for causing havoc all over your body. Not only can it lead to serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease and causing strokes, it is also a major cause of gum disease. This is partially due to smoking reducing your immune system, making it harder to fight of the bacteria found in plaque, leading to gum disease. Reduce stress and anxiety There may be a link between high stress levels and dental diseases, according to one study. Researchers have found that emotional trauma or stress can have a highly negative impact on your immune system, so much so that it can begin to struggle with fighting off gum disease. Emotional stress may also lead to the neglect of your oral health, causing a build-up of plaque on your teeth. Increase vitamin intake Eating foods that are high in Vitamin C can greatly improve upon your oral health; strengthen your immune system and fight of gum infections. Vitamin C is essential to preventing gum disease and bleeding, so be sure to consume foods such as oranges, sweet potatoes, red peppers, carrots, kiwi, mango and pineapples. Vitamin K can also prevent gum bleeding, as it helps with blood clotting. Foods rich in vitamin K are Spinach, kale, parsley, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. You can also get vitamin supplements relatively easily, to enhance your intake. Eating less carbs Carbohydrates and sugary foods lead to the growth of plaque and bacteria inside of your mouth. The more you intake, the more likely you are to have bleeding gums, so it is important to limit your intake of these foods. Although brushing and flossing goes a long way to reducing the build-up of plaque, it is also important to reduce your intake of carbs and sugary foods to limit the build-up of plaque. Should I seek professional help? If you are still suffering from bleeding gums after 10 consecutive days, it is time to seek help. Deep dental cleaning will remove plaque from your teeth and your gums, as well as helping the gums to heal. You should also go to the doctor to see if you have any vitamin deficiencies causing the bleeding gums. Are you suffering from bleeding or sensitive gums? Why not visit Tamworth dentists today to see how we can help you!