Bleeding Gums: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Bleeding gums, also known as gingivitis, is a condition characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the gums due to poor oral hygiene or plaque buildup.

This condition can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and even pregnancy complications. The causes of bleeding gums include poor oral hygiene, smoking, and certain medications.

To alleviate bleeding gums, herbal remedies like aloe vera, chamomile, and tea tree oil can be used to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. Aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the gums, while chamomile tea can be used as a mouthwash.

However, it's essential to consult a dentist before using medicinal herbs and to follow proper precautions to avoid further irritation.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of bleeding gums, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of bleeding gums?

The main causes of bleeding gums are poor oral hygiene, plaque and tartar buildup, which lead to inflammation and irritation of the gums (gingivitis).

This condition is often caused by inadequate brushing and flossing, resulting in the accumulation of bacteria on the teeth and gumline. Furthermore, gum recession and periodontitis can also lead to bleeding gums due to the destruction of the gum tissue and underlying bone. Other contributing factors include smoking and tobacco use, which reduce blood flow to the gums and increase the risk of gum disease.

Additionally, nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin C, can also cause bleeding gums due to the essential role of vitamin C in collagen synthesis and gum health.

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene, including infrequent brushing and flossing, leads to the accumulation of plaque and tartar on the teeth, causing inflammation and bleeding of the gums due to the body's natural response to infection and irritation.
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums caused by the bacterial accumulation in plaque, leads to bleeding gums as the body's natural response to infection and irritation, which can be caused by poor oral hygiene or other factors.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can cause increased blood flow and sensitivity in the gums, leading to bleeding and inflammation.
• Smoking: Smoking damages the gums and reduces blood flow to the gums, leading to inflammation and bleeding due to the reduction in the body's ability to fight infection.
• Genetics: Genetic predisposition can increase the risk of developing gum disease and bleeding gums, as some people may be more susceptible to the effects of plaque and tartar on the teeth.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of vitamin C, can impair the production of collagen, a protein essential for maintaining healthy gums, leading to bleeding and inflammation.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as anticoagulants and antidepressants, can cause bleeding gums as a side effect due to their effects on the body's ability to form blood clots and fight infection.
• Dental Work: Dental work, such as dental surgery or orthodontic appliances, can cause bleeding gums due to the irritation and inflammation caused by the procedure.
• Systemic Diseases: Systemic diseases, such as diabetes, leukemia, and heart disease, can cause bleeding gums as a symptom of the underlying condition, due to the body's impaired ability to fight infection and maintain healthy blood vessels.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for bleeding gums?

The main medicinal herbs used for bleeding gums are Echinacea purpurea, Salvia officinalis, Eucalyptus globulus, Ginkgo biloba, Curcuma longa, Melaleuca alternifolia, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe vera, Sanguinaria canadensis, Camellia sinensis.

Echinacea purpurea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and bleeding in gums. Salvia officinalis, also known as sage, contains tannins that help contract blood vessels and reduce bleeding, while its antioxidant properties help fight against plaque and bacteria. Ginkgo biloba and Eucalyptus globulus have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help reduce inflammation and infection in gums.

Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin that reduces inflammation and has antimicrobial properties, while Melaleuca alternifolia, or tea tree oil, has antimicrobial properties that help combat bacteria and fungi in gums, and Aloe barbadensis, Aloe vera, Sanguinaria canadensis and Camellia sinensis all have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and bleeding in gums.

• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with bleeding gums due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and alleviate pain in the gums, as well as its ability to boost the immune system and fight off infections that may be causing the bleeding.
• Salvia officinalis: Salvia officinalis helps with bleeding gums due to its antibacterial properties, which combat the growth of bacteria in the mouth that can cause gum inflammation and bleeding, as well as its ability to reduce inflammation and ease pain in the gums.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with bleeding gums due to its antibacterial properties, which combat the growth of bacteria in the mouth that can cause gum inflammation and bleeding, as well as its ability to reduce inflammation and ease pain in the gums.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not have a direct effect on bleeding gums, but its ability to improve blood circulation may help to reduce bleeding by promoting the formation of blood clots and improving the overall health of the gums.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa helps with bleeding gums due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which reduce swelling and combat the growth of bacteria in the mouth that can cause gum inflammation and bleeding, as well as its ability to ease pain and promote healing in the gums.
• Melaleuca alternifolia: Melaleuca alternifolia helps with bleeding gums due to its antibacterial properties, which combat the growth of bacteria in the mouth that can cause gum inflammation and bleeding, as well as its ability to reduce inflammation and ease pain in the gums.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with bleeding gums due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce swelling and ease pain in the gums, as well as its ability to promote healing and prevent further irritation in the gums.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with bleeding gums due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce swelling and ease pain in the gums, as well as its ability to promote healing and prevent further irritation in the gums.
• Sanguinaria canadensis: Sanguinaria canadensis does not have a direct effect on bleeding gums, but its ability to stimulate blood flow may help to reduce bleeding by promoting the formation of blood clots and improving the overall health of the gums.
• Camellia sinensis: Camellia sinensis helps with bleeding gums due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and alleviate pain in the gums, as well as its ability to boost the immune system and fight off infections that may be causing the bleeding.

What are the main herbal preparations used for bleeding gums?

The main herbal preparations used for bleeding gums are Decoction, Tincture, Salve, Capsule, Cream, Topical Gel, Tea, Suppository, Ointment, Lozenge.

Decoction of herbs like Echinacea, Goldenseal, and Yarrow is used to treat gum inflammation due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tincture of herbs like Calendula and Sage is used to reduce swelling and bleeding by promoting tissue repair and reducing pain. Capsule or Cream containing herbs like Aloe Vera and Licorice Root are used to soothe and calm bleeding gums due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Topical Gel, Ointment, Lozenge, and Suppository containing herbs like Tea Tree Oil and Peppermint are used to reduce pain and inflammation, promote wound healing, and freshen breath.

• Decoction: A decoction of the root of Salvia officinalis (sage) helps with bleeding gums by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of gum tissue due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause gum infections.
• Tincture: A tincture of the root of Calendula officinalis (marigold) helps with bleeding gums by promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which accelerate the healing process and prevent infection.
• Salve: A salve of the root of Echinacea purpurea (coneflower) helps with bleeding gums by promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which accelerate the healing process and prevent infection.
• Capsule: A capsule of the extract of Berberis vulgaris (barberry) helps with bleeding gums by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of gum tissue due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria that can cause gum infections and reduce pain.
• Cream: A cream of the extract of Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) helps with bleeding gums by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which accelerate the healing process and reduce pain.
• Topical Gel: A topical gel of the extract of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) helps with bleeding gums by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria that can cause gum infections and reduce pain.
• Tea: A tea of the leaves of Camellia sinensis (green tea) helps with bleeding gums by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of gum tissue due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria that can cause gum infections and reduce pain.
• Suppository: A suppository of the extract of Trifolium pratense (red clover) helps with bleeding gums by promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which accelerate the healing process and prevent infection.
• Ointment: An ointment of the extract of Plantago major (plantain) helps with bleeding gums by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which accelerate the healing process and reduce pain.
• Lozenge: A lozenge of the extract of Echinacea angustifolia (coneflower) helps with bleeding gums by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of gum tissue due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria that can cause gum infections and reduce pain.