(HealthDay News) -- Bleeding gums can occur because teeth haven't been properly brushed and flossed, or as a side effect of conditions including leukemia, scurvy or vitamin K deficiency.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to help keep gums healthy:
- Don't smoke or use other forms of tobacco.
- Take vitamin supplements, as recommended by your doctor.
- Don't take aspirin, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- If medication is causing your gums to bleed, ask your doctor about possible alternatives.
- Massage your gums gently with an oral irrigation tool. Set the device on low.
- Make sure dentures fit properly, and talk to your dentist if they cause bleeding or soreness.
- If your gums do bleed, wet a gauze pad with ice water and hold it to the affected area.
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