Symptoms · bleeding gums
Why do my gums bleed?
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss are most often a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, caused by plaque along the gum line. In the early stages it can often be reversed with a professional clean and better home care. Book a check-up at Y3 Smiles Dental in Broadmeadows rather than brushing less.
When are bleeding gums urgent?
Go to hospital or call 000
- Bleeding from the gums that won't stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure
- Bleeding gums with unexplained bruising, nosebleeds or feeling very unwell
- Swelling in your face or neck that is spreading
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- A swollen, painful area of gum, or pus around a tooth
- Bleeding with a tooth that has become loose
- Bleeding after an injury to your mouth
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- Gums that bleed a little when you brush or floss
- Red or puffy gums without pain
- Bleeding after starting to floss
What causes bleeding gums?
- Plaque along the gum line. Bacteria in plaque irritate the gum, which becomes red, swollen and bleeds easily. This is gingivitis.
- Tartar build-up. Plaque that hardens into tartar can't be brushed off and keeps irritating the gum.
- Periodontitis. If gingivitis continues, it can progress to gum disease that affects the bone holding the teeth.
- Brushing too hard or using a hard toothbrush.
- Hormone changes, including pregnancy. Gums that start bleeding while you are expecting are common enough to have a name: see pregnancy gingivitis.
- Some medicines and health conditions, including diabetes, which can affect gum health.
What are other signs of gum disease?
Alongside bleeding, look out for swollen or tender gums, persistent bad breath, gums that are shrinking back from the teeth, and teeth that feel loose or have moved. Because early gum disease is often painless, these signs are easy to ignore.
What can you do at home?
- Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush, angled gently towards the gum line.
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes.
- Keep going even if they bleed at first. The bleeding usually reduces as the gums get healthier.
- If you smoke, quitting helps your gums heal.
How does a dentist treat bleeding gums?
At Y3 Smiles Dental we check your gums during a check-up and clean (see what happens at a check-up), measuring the gum around each tooth and taking x-rays if needed to look at the bone. In the early stages, gum disease can often be reversed with a professional clean that removes plaque and tartar, together with better home care.
More advanced gum disease may need cleaning below the gum line and smoothing of the root surfaces, followed by regular maintenance visits. Read more about gum disease treatment.
Other questions people ask
Should I stop brushing if my gums bleed?
No. Keep brushing gently twice a day and cleaning between your teeth. Avoiding the area lets more plaque build up, which makes the bleeding worse.
Is it normal for gums to bleed when I start flossing?
Some bleeding when you first start flossing is common. If your gums are healthy, it should settle within a week or two of flossing daily. If it doesn't, have your gums checked.
Can pregnancy cause bleeding gums?
Yes. Hormone changes in pregnancy can make gums more likely to swell and bleed. Keep up your cleaning, and let your dentist know you're pregnant.
Is gum disease painful?
Often not. Gum disease is largely painless in its early stages, which is why bleeding is such an important sign to act on.
Do blood thinners cause bleeding gums?
Some medicines can make gums bleed more easily. Don't stop any medicine yourself. Tell your dentist what you take, and speak to your doctor if you're concerned.