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[theaterbrat]

My gums have started bleeding recently, I have switched to a softer toothbrush, and used hydrogen peroxide and warm salt water rinses. Is there anything else I can do, save going to the dentist, which would be spending money I do not have?

Comments

[winterknight]

When are they bleeding? When you brush? When you eat? Spontaneously? Are they otherwise inflamed or swollen or hurting? If you're bleeding much more than pink in the foam when you brush, I would take it seriously.

If it's only a matter of them bleeding when you brush, and it's not a lot, make sure that you're getting enough vitamin C; it was a deficiency that caused my gums to bleed badly. Keep an eye on it for a few days, and see if things improve. Try and get more iron in your diet, too.

My gums bleed a little at times no matter what I do and I'm in great health. If it's a small thing, bring it up with your Dr when you can. If it's not, seeing the dentist may not be optional.

[morganmac]

I would suggest flossing regularly. Start out flossing once a day if you haven't in a while and then work your way up to twice a day. Also try using Listerine or a similar mouthwash that fights gingivitis.

[marshmallowgoo]

Listerine seconded, also expect bleeding if you don't floss regularly.

Are you taking vitamins?

[winterknight]

I was warned off of Listerine/etc, because it can damage new tissue. YMMV. But you're right about the flossing, I forgot that. (You just have to be really gentle.) And there are other rinses, which I also forgot to mention. :p Der.

I would consult the pharmacist about a mouth rinse. I was told to get a horrible red one years ago, I forget the name, for a tongue inflammation (ew), but it was over the counter. Pharmacists are free medical advice, though. Find a good one and keep going back. :) If they say to go for the Listerine, give it a go. Mine told me to stick with the salt water or dilute cider vinegar.

Huh?

[jazzminarino]

YMMV? I don't know that acronym...

... please school me?

[dappleshark]

I find flossing with the Glide-tye flosses help a great deal. The normal ones just shred and make me bleed worse. I also got my own interdental pick for the teeth that are hard to floss because they aren't straight. I only scrap very very lightly if there is something that just doesn't seem to come off, mostly I use it to get bigger particles out.

Last time I was able to go to a dental school and have some of my teeth cleaned, the gal there recommended "hugging" your teeth with the floss. It feels odd and hurts a bit at first, but you really do get a lot more stuff out of there which means less overall irritation.

When you can actually swing it, I'd check community colleges and the like in your area and see if there are any hygienist schools. They'll charge much, much less and my gums bleed a lot less after getting a cleaning. They are also friendly to people who are scared of dentists normally!

[jeanineers]

As I understand it, it's not unusual for people who rarely brush and floss to experience bleeding and discomfort. Their gums usually stop bleeding as they begin to brush and floss regularly.

Your note seems to indicate that you are regularly brushing, flossing, and rinsing with hydrogen peroxide and suddenly started bleeding. This could be a sign of serious infection or disease. I hope you can find a dental school that can serve your needs for little or nothing.

[sweeny_todd]

I second flossing, also you say a 'softer' toothbrush.. does that mean you have gone to soft? my dentist says don't use ANYTHING other than soft.

also echoing the when is it bleeding/ If they just start for no reason, very concenrning, if it is when you are brushing, a soft brush and flossing should make a big difference