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My gums bleed when I brush. What do I do?
DOCTOR ZABEK: Why do gums bleed? That's the question, really. The answers: trauma, debilitating diseases (cancer, scurvy, weak immune system) and infection.
It's easy to see why they bleed in the case of trauma. The debilitating diseases pretty much weaken you, so it's hard to fight infection. So let's talk primarily about what to do for your gum infection. For that, we need to address the causes: improper hygiene and bacteria. In fact, you'll probably notice a bad odor (halitosis). That fetid odor, in plain and simple terms, is putrefying rot. Sounds horrible, no? Let's get to the "How do I get rid of it" part.
If your gums bleed, you'll just need to clean out the bacteria causing the infection. A good brushing with toothpaste and lots of swishing of water in between your teeth will help. Also, consider an oxygenating agent (it bubbles in your mouth, kind of like a hydrogen peroxide type of effect). These can be found in most pharmacies and some grocery stores. Brands of such a product include Amosan, Polaris, Glyoxide, among others. Follow the instructions on the package. A half-ounce of hydrogen peroxide in 8-ounce glass of water works OK, too. If food is the culprit in an isolated area, try a toothpick or some dental floss and gently work at it.
If you're in pain and you're bleeding, you've got a more serious problem and may need special considerations. My first recommendation is to see a dentist right away. Chronic situations like these result in bone loss and gum recession. Unchecked, this could lead to tooth loss.
My second recommendation is to take some Ibuprofen, Vioxx, or Tylenol for pain -- this just masks the problem, but will help you get to the cleaning part above. These are anti-inflammatories and will help to reduce the swelling. An antibiotic may be helpful, but you usually need a prescription for those. In addition, eating right and getting your vitamins and minerals will help your body fight infections.
Lastly, don't put an aspirin on your gums. It causes a chemical burn. Instead, use Orabase, or Orabase with benzocaine to relieve the pain. Some people like Ambesol, too.
Of course, the best treatment is regularly seeing your dentist to prevent sore or bleeding gums and halitosis. This, along with regular tooth brushing, flossing and eating a balanced diet, should keep your teeth and gums in tip-top health for a lifetime.
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