Carmel Dental Clinic
Patient guide
Bleeding gums: what they mean and what to do
Healthy gums do not bleed when you brush. If yours do, they are inflamed - most often because plaque is sitting along the gumline. It is one of the most commonly ignored dental symptoms, and at its early stage it is usually reversible.
General information from Carmel Dental Clinic, last reviewed . Not a diagnosis.
Why gums bleed
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth every day. Where it is left at the gumline, the gum becomes inflamed - red, puffy and quick to bleed. This stage is called gingivitis. Plaque left long enough hardens into tartar, which a toothbrush cannot remove.
If the inflammation continues for months or years, it can spread below the gum to the bone that holds the teeth in place. This is periodontitis. The bone it destroys does not grow back, and teeth that were otherwise healthy can eventually loosen.
It is a natural reaction and the wrong one. Less brushing means more plaque, and more plaque means more bleeding. Keep brushing gently and thoroughly along the gumline, and clean between the teeth.
Signs it may have gone further
- Gums that have pulled back, making teeth look longer.
- Bad breath or a bad taste that does not go away.
- Teeth that feel loose, or that have moved or spread apart.
- Pus between the teeth and gums.
- Pain or pressure when chewing.
What raises the risk
- Smoking or chewing tobacco, which can also reduce bleeding and make gums look healthier than they are.
- Diabetes, especially when blood sugar is not well controlled.
- Pregnancy, when hormonal changes make gums bleed more easily.
- Crowded teeth that are harder to clean.
- Some medicines, and a family history of gum disease.
What treatment looks like
- 1Examination
The gums are checked and the depth of the space between gum and tooth measured, to see how far any disease has gone.
- 2Professional cleaning
Plaque and tartar are removed above and, where needed, below the gumline.
- 3Home care that fits your mouth
Brushing and cleaning between the teeth, shown on your own teeth.
- 4Review
A follow-up to check the gums have settled. At the early stage, gums usually stop bleeding within a few weeks of thorough daily cleaning.
Questions we are actually asked
Are bleeding gums a sign of vitamin deficiency?
Rarely. Severe vitamin C deficiency can cause bleeding gums, but for almost everyone the cause is plaque at the gumline. Have the gums checked before assuming it is your diet.
Can gum disease affect my general health?
Gum disease has been linked in research with conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. With diabetes the link runs both ways: poorly controlled blood sugar worsens gum disease, and treating gum disease can help blood sugar control.
My gums bleed during pregnancy. Is that normal?
It is common, because hormonal changes make gums react more strongly to plaque. A check-up is still worthwhile, and routine dental cleaning is considered safe during pregnancy. Mention that you are pregnant when you book.
Gums bleeding when you brush?
Book a check-up and cleaning. Caught at the early stage, it is usually straightforward to put right.
This page describes a dental procedure in general terms. It is not a diagnosis and not a treatment plan, and outcomes vary from person to person. What is right for you is decided after a clinical examination at the clinic. See our terms and medical disclaimer.