Many people notice a little blood when they brush or floss and assume they're brushing too hard. Sometimes that's true — but far more often, bleeding gums are the first sign of gingivitis, an early and fully reversible stage of gum disease.
Why gums bleed
Plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — builds up along the gum line every day. If it isn't removed, it hardens into tartar and irritates the gums, making them red, swollen and quick to bleed.
- Plaque and tartar build-up along the gum line
- Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled brush
- Hormonal changes, including pregnancy
- Diabetes and some medicines, such as blood thinners
- Smoking and tobacco chewing, which can hide the bleeding while damage continues
Signs it's more than gingivitis
- Gums pulling back from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Teeth that feel loose or have started to shift
- Pus between the teeth and gums
These can point to periodontitis, where the infection has started to affect the bone that holds your teeth. It needs professional treatment — but caught early, it can usually be controlled.
What helps
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush, angled towards the gum line
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
- Get a professional scaling and polishing to remove tartar
- Don't stop brushing because of bleeding — gentle cleaning is what heals the gums
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Please visit a dentist for advice about your own teeth.