Health Tip: Prevent Bleeding Gums

(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.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: March 12, 2009

Copyright © 2009 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.