Bleeding gums are extremely common - so much so that most of us experience it at some point in our lives. Bleeding gums are one of the first signs of gum disease and should act as a red flag that something needs to change in our oral health routine.

Worryingly, new statistics show that too many of us are willing to overlook bleeding gums. Almost one in five (19%) immediately stop brushing the bleeding area and almost one in ten (8%) stop brushing in general. Just over one in five (21%) decide to make a dental appointment and more than one in four (28%) simply ignore the problem altogether.

Just because it may seem normal to have bleeding gums doesn't mean we should ignore it. Quite the opposite. That's why we've put together five ways we can help stop bleeding gums.

1. Brush twice a day for two minutes and choose a fluoride toothpaste

Brushing our teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste is vital for gum health and also helps protect against other oral diseases. For best results, opt for one brushing before you go to sleep at night and another time during the day. It's equally important to spit out excess toothpaste after brushing, and don't rinse your mouth with water more than once. This ensures that the fluoride stays on our teeth longer, giving us that extra protection. Brushing twice a day is important because it removes plaque. If plaque is not removed, it continues to build up, potentially leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Use interdental brushes or floss

Using interdental brushes or floss is another key component of a good oral health routine. This is because a toothbrush cannot get between our teeth like interdental brushes or floss can. It is important to get into those areas that a toothbrush cannot reach, otherwise pieces of plaque can build up, causing gum problems . When we first start using interdental brushes or flossing, it is not uncommon for our gums to bleed. If this happens, it is important to persevere and continue. After a week or two, the bleeding should stop. In recent years, studies have linked gum health to a reduced risk of heart disease, so the benefits go beyond the health of our gums.

3. Use fluoride mouthwash

Fluoride mouthwash is beneficial for oral health as it helps to clean the mouth of debris. It also helps prevent plaque build-up on the gums, between teeth and on the surface of the teeth between brushing. In addition to all of this, it can also help to freshen our breath by killing the bacteria associated with bad breath (halitosis). It's important when considering a mouthwash to choose one that contains fluoride to give our teeth that extra protection throughout the day.

4. Visit to the dentist

If we have something wrong with our car, we're likely to call a mechanic, right? The same principle applies to problems in our mouths and a professional dentist. The dentist's office is the best reference point for any oral health problems we experience, including bleeding gums. If our gums continue to bleed for a prolonged period of time, it's important not to wait for a routine appointment - but to schedule a visit.

5. Healthy diet and lifestyle

This is important not only for bleeding gums but also for overall health in general. A healthy diet is an important prerequisite for our mouth to function properly. Remember that when we read "no added sugar" labels it does not necessarily mean that the product does not contain sugar. It simply means that no extra sugar has been added but most likely includes the presence of natural sugars. Lifestyle factors can also affect our oral health, such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Those who smoke are more likely to develop gingivitis. This is because smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so infected gums don't have a chance to heal. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and fresh fruits and vegetables can help prevent gum disease.

Healthy gums are needed to support healthy teeth. Healthy gums help protect us from tooth loss, bad breath, diabetes, heart disease and strokes. These benefits extend far beyond the mouth and can really help improve our quality of life. It can be easy to overlook bleeding gums and think they are fairly harmless, however, it is not something that should be ignored. It could lead to a number of other ailments and have a negative impact on our overall wellbeing.