Bleeding Gums (Lissa-e- Damiya)

Introduction

Bleeding Gums (Lissa-e- Damiya) is a condition in which gums bleed. It is very common and many people suffer from it. It is caused by weakness of nutritive faculty (Zo’fe Qoowat-e- Ghazia) of gums and congestion of sanguine/ blood (Imtila-e- Dam).

It is characterized by loosening of gums followed by bleeding and other features of predominance of sanguine/ blood. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, you might shrug it off or think this is normal. But bleeding from the gums indicates an underlying problem. If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, you are probably suffering from a slightly mild case of gingivitis.

There are many reasons due to which gums might bleed, but a common cause is gingivitis (Waram-e- Lissa), a mild form of gum disease. Gingivitis (Waram-e- Lissa) is an inflammation of the gums and this condition can cause bleeding, swelling, and receding gums.

Factors like injury, brushing too vigorously, pregnancy and inflammation can contribute to bleeding gums. Gum inflammation can cause swelling, redness and tenderness. It can be a sign of periodontal disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Such disease can occur from inadequate plaque removal.

Bleeding gums (Lissa-e- Damiya) may be a result of vitamin C deficiencies. Hence, increase the intake of foods rich with vitamin C, like citrus fruits, leafy vegetables, berries, peas, sprouts, fish, meat and eggs.

Management/ Treatment

To determine the appropriate treatment of bleeding gums (Lissa-e- Damiya), it is necessary to rule out the cause. Once you know the cause, you can choose among under mentioned possible ways to stop the bleeding.

Principles of Treatment (Usool-e- Ilaj)

To strengthen the gums (Tasleeb-e- Lissa/ Taqwiyat-e- Lissa)
Taqleel-e- Ghiza (Dietary Modulation) in case of Imtila-e- Dam (Congestion of sanguine/ blood)

Pharmacotherapy (Ilaj Bil Dawa); Unani remedies to stop the gums from bleeding by providing natural ways to keep your gums healthy

Application of powder of Leaf of Myrtus communis Linn. (Barg-e- Aas), Burnt seeds of Lens esculenta Moench (Adas sokhta), Bambusa bambus Druce (Tabasheer), Rhus coriaria Linn. (Sumaq) and leaf of Acasia Arabica Willd. (Barg-e- Babool) on gums.
Mouth wash (Mazmaza) with decoction of Rhus coriaria Linn. (Sumaq) and flowers of Rosa damascene Mill. (Gul-e- Surkh) prepared in vinegar.
Mouth wash (Mazmaza) with decoction of flowers of Punica granatum Linn. (Gulnar)
Mouth wash (Mazmaza) with decoction of Lens esculenta Moench (Adas/ Masoor)

Home Remedies for Bleeding Gums (Lissa-e- Damiya)

Vitamin C Rich Diet: Increase the intake of foods rich with vitamin C, like citrus fruits, leafy vegetables etc.
Salt Water Mouth Rinse: Salt exhibits anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. This may help in reducing the inflammation and swelling and combat infections that cause bleeding gums.

3.Use of Coconut Oil: Coconut oil exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It reduces the inflammation in the gums and may help fight plaque.

Use of Aloe vera: Elwa (Aloe vera) has many medicinal properties and one of the properties is to reduce gum inflammation, making bleeding less likely. Take a small amount of aloevera pulp and massage it on your gums,
Use of Clove Oil: Clove oil is considered to be one of the best home remedies. It contains eugenol which is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial in nature. It is also a natural analgesic. These properties may be highly effective in treating bleeding gums and gingivitis.
Tea Tree Oil: It exhibits powerful antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. It helps in treating infections that cause bleeding gums. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. This may help in reducing inflammation and swelling of the gums.

Compound Drugs (Advia Murakkaba)

Sanoon-e- Chaub Chini
Sanoon-e- Kalan
Sanoon-e- Supari
Sanoon-e- Post Mugheelan

Regimental Therapy (Ilaj Bil Tadbeer)

Bloodletting through superior and inferior labial veins (Fasd-e- Chahar Rag
Bloodletting through basilica vein (Fasd-e- Basliq)
Cupping (Hijama)

Dietary Recommendations

Aghziya Ghaleeza

Dietary Restrictions

Meat
Salt
Sweet Dishes

Tips for oral Health

Practice good oral hygiene: Bleeding gums (Lissa-e- Damiya) may be a sign of poor dental hygiene. To improve oral hygiene, always follow tips to improve oral health like brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once a day properly.

Brushing and flossing: Prevention is better than cure. If you don’t want to wait till the time you get your gums inflamed, take care of your gums by different means.
Rinse Mouth with Salt Water: Regular rinsing of mouth with a mixture of warm salt water may also reduce bacteria, gums inflammation and stop gum bleeding.
Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide: If your gums are bleeding, rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide after brushing, but don’t swallow the solution. It can also remove plaque, promote gum health.
Fresh fruits and vegetables: Fresh and raw vegetable and fruits not only are good for overall health they are also equally important for healthy gums as well. They are rich in vitamins, minerals and low in calories. Chewing raw vegetables help to improve blood circulation in gums, thus helping to reduce the bleeding from gums.
Reduce Stress Level: According to recent researches, emotional stress has a negative impact on our immune system. This may result in weakening of the body’s defences to the point where it can’t fight a gum infection.
Stop Smoking: In addition to heightening the risk of heart diseases, lung diseases, obesity and stroke, smoking is linked to gum diseases also. In fact, smoking is a major cause of severe gum disease in India. Smoking can lower your body’s immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off plaque bacteria. This can lead to gum disease. Quitting smoking can help your gums heal and stop bleeding easily.
Increase Intake of Vitamin C: Fruits and foods rich in vitamin C can strengthen your immune system and help fight off the gum infections that cause bleeding gums (Lissa-e- Damiya). If someone is not getting enough vitamin C in his diet, may worsen bleeding if he has gum disease. In fact, Vitamin C deficiency can also lead bleeding gums (Lissa-e- Damiya) even if you practice good oral habits.
Application of Cold Compress: Sometimes gums may also bleed from trauma or an injury to the gum tissue. A cold compress applied to the gum line can reduce swelling and stop bleeding. Apply an ice pack or a cold cloth to your gums several times a day.
Increase Intake of Vitamin K: Taking vitamin K supplement may also alleviate bleeding gums (Lissa-e- Damiya). Vitamin K is an important nutrient which helps your blood to clot. Deficiency of Vitamin K may cause easy bleeding. One study found that it may lead to gum bleeding.
Drink Green Tea: Green tea contains catechin, a natural antioxidant that can lower the body’s inflammatory response to bacteria in the mouth. Drinking green tea on a daily basis may also reverse periodontal disease and stop bleeding gums.
Eat Fewer Carbohydrate: Research has found that reducing your carbohydrate intake may also improve gum health and prevent gum diseases.

Note: Consult a dentist if gum bleeding doesn’t improve within 7 to 10 days. You may need a deep dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar and promote gum healing.

References