Bleeding gums are most often a sign of gingivitis (early-stage inflammation of the gum). When plaque accumulated on the tooth surface is not removed, the gum becomes red and tender and may bleed while brushing. At this stage no permanent damage has occurred in the tissue; the picture can be reversed with regular cleaning and appropriate oral care.
Common causes
Inadequate brushing and a failure to clean between the teeth come first. Tartar, poorly fitting filling or denture margins, tobacco use, vitamin C deficiency, pregnancy and diabetes may also increase bleeding. If anticoagulant medication is being used, the bleeding may be more pronounced; this information should be shared with the dentist.
Oral care at home
Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes with a soft brush and cleaning between the teeth with floss or an interdental brush are recommended. Not brushing a bleeding area may lead the inflammation to progress; gentle but regular cleaning is the recommended approach. If the bleeding has not eased within two weeks, home care alone is not sufficient.
In which situations should a dentist be consulted?
A periodontal assessment is required in the presence of continuing bleeding, swelling, persistent bad breath, receding gums or tooth mobility. At a later stage the inflammation may spread from the gum to the bone, and the resulting bone loss cannot be recovered. An assessment made at an early stage allows the treatment to be carried out with more limited procedures.
This article is intended as general information for protecting and improving health; it does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a dentist.