Bleeding gums when you brush or floss are one of the most common reasons people visit a dentist. The most frequent cause is a build-up of plaque along the gumline, which irritates the gums and makes them bleed easily. This is known as gingivitis. The good news is that, when it is caught early, it usually improves with good daily cleaning and a professional clean. If the bleeding lasts or keeps coming back, though, it is worth having it checked, because it can point to something more.
Bleeding gums: the most common causes
Healthy gums do not normally bleed. When they do, it is usually down to one of the following.
- Plaque and tartar. This is the most common cause. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth all the time. If it is not removed properly, it irritates the gums. When it hardens it becomes tartar, which can only be removed at the dental clinic.
- Brushing technique. Brushing too hard, or with a very firm brush, can irritate the gums. Brushing too little, or unevenly, also lets plaque build up.
- Starting to floss or use interdental brushes. Some bleeding is common at first, in areas that were not being cleaned before. It usually settles with regular use.
- Hormonal changes. Puberty, pregnancy and the menopause can make gums react more strongly to plaque.
- Some medications. Certain medicines can affect blood clotting or the condition of the gums. If you take any medication, tell your dentist, and never change it on your own: any change should be decided by the doctor who prescribed it.
- Smoking. Smoking affects gum health and can make gum disease worse. It can also mask bleeding, so diseased gums may look less inflamed than they really are.
- Other general health conditions. Less commonly, bleeding is linked to a general health condition. If your dentist suspects this, they will suggest you see your doctor.
Gingivitis or periodontitis: what is the difference?
They are two stages of the same process, and it helps to tell them apart.
Gingivitis
This is gum inflammation caused by plaque. The gums are typically red, swollen and bleed when you brush. There is no loss of the tissue supporting the tooth yet, and in general it can be reversed with good daily cleaning and a professional clean.
Periodontitis
If the inflammation continues, it can affect the tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place. This is called periodontitis, or gum disease. The gums may recede, pockets can form between the tooth and the gum, bad breath may persist and, in advanced stages, teeth can become loose. Unlike gingivitis, it needs professional treatment, and it often progresses without obvious discomfort, which is why check-ups matter. Your dentist can assess it with an examination and, if needed, X-rays; at our clinic we use digital dentistry to help study each case.
What generally helps
These tips are general, and your dentist will tailor them to you.
- Brush your teeth twice a day, gently but thoroughly, paying attention to the gumline. A soft-bristled toothbrush is usually a good choice.
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes, as your dentist advises.
- Go to check-ups and professional hygiene visits as often as you are advised.
- If you smoke, stopping benefits your gums, and your doctor can support you with this.
What your dentist can do for your gums
At the surgery, the first step is to examine your gums and look at the rest of your mouth. Depending on what is found, treatment can range from a professional clean to remove plaque and tartar, to a specific plan for gum disease. Your dentist can also show you which brushing technique and which interdental cleaning tools suit you best, because no two mouths are the same. Much of the result depends on what you do at home every day, together with follow-up at the clinic.
Do not stop brushing the area that bleeds
It is an understandable reaction: if a spot bleeds, you are wary of touching it. But the usual advice is the opposite. If you avoid that area, plaque builds up and the inflammation gets worse. Cleaning it gently and consistently is normally what helps the gums settle. If you see no improvement after a few days, get it checked.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
When you start flossing or using interdental brushes, a little bleeding in areas that were not being cleaned before is common. It usually eases as your gums get used to it, if you keep at it gently. If it does not, get it checked.
Why have my gums started bleeding all of a sudden?
Sudden bleeding is most often linked to plaque build-up or a change in your routine, such as brushing harder, a new brush or starting to floss. Hormonal changes, some medicines and stopping smoking can also play a part. If it keeps happening, see a dentist.
Can a new or electric toothbrush make gums bleed?
A firmer brush or pressing too hard can irritate gums. An electric toothbrush can help you clean better when used gently, without scrubbing. Technique and consistency matter more than the type of brush.
Is it normal for gums to bleed during pregnancy?
Hormonal changes can make gums react more to plaque, so they swell and bleed more easily. Keeping up good hygiene and telling your dentist you are pregnant helps look after them.
What if my gums bleed and I have bad breath?
Persistent bad breath together with bleeding can mean the inflammation has progressed. It is worth a check-up, as it could be gum disease rather than gingivitis alone.
Do bleeding gums with braces need special care?
Braces make cleaning harder, so plaque can build up around the gum line. Interdental brushes and a careful routine help; your dentist can show you how to clean around brackets.
When to see a dentist
Book an appointment if you notice any of the following:
- the bleeding lasts longer than a week or two, even though you are brushing carefully;
- the bleeding keeps coming back;
- your gums are swollen, very red or seem to be receding, and your teeth look longer;
- you have bad breath that does not go away with your usual cleaning;
- you notice teeth that feel loose or have moved;
- there is pus or pain in the gum.
If the bleeding is heavy and does not stop, or you notice unusual bleeding elsewhere in your body, seek medical attention straight away.
When gum disease is present, specialist care is known as periodontics, and our gum treatment in Benidorm focuses on controlling inflammation and looking after the tissues that support your teeth.
Book your free initial assessment in Benidorm
If your gums bleed and you are not sure why, you can book a free initial assessment at Arango Dental Clinic in Benidorm. We will check your gums and explain what is happening and what your options are. If a treatment is advisable, the cost depends on each case and is given after the assessment. Feel free to contact the clinic to arrange your visit.
This article is for general information only and does not replace a professional assessment or an individual diagnosis. Every case is different, so always follow your dentist's instructions.