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Bleeding gums Gum disease

Bleeding gums are the most common early sign of gum disease. Healthy gums do not bleed when brushed or flossed. Bleeding that lasts more than two weeks of good home care points to gingivitis or periodontitis and needs a dental exam.

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Signs

  • Pink in the sink after brushing
  • Blood on floss
  • Bleeding while eating
  • Red or puffy gum edges

Risk factors

  • Plaque buildup
  • Hard brushing
  • Smoking, which can hide bleeding
  • Pregnancy
  • Blood thinners and some medications

Why do my gums bleed when I brush?

Plaque at the gumline inflames the tissue. Inflamed gums carry more small blood vessels near the surface, and brushing breaks them. The bleeding is the body fighting the bacteria. Smokers bleed less because nicotine narrows the vessels, so a smoker with gum disease can see no blood at all.

How do you stop bleeding gums?

  • Keep brushing and flossing. Stopping lets plaque build and the bleeding worsen.
  • Use a soft or powered brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline, two minutes, twice a day.
  • Clean between every tooth once a day.
  • Book a cleaning to remove tartar that a brush cannot.

Bleeding from gingivitis usually stops within one to two weeks. Bleeding that continues signals pockets under the gum that need scaling and root planing.

When are bleeding gums serious?

See a dentist or periodontist for bleeding with loose teeth, receding gums, pus, or a bad taste. See a physician for bleeding with easy bruising, nosebleeds or fatigue, which can signal a blood disorder.

Questions

Should I stop flossing if my gums bleed?

No. Gentle daily flossing is how the bleeding stops. It usually eases within a week or two.

Can a water flosser help bleeding gums?

Yes. Water flossers reduce bleeding and inflammation, and they suit people with implants, bridges or limited hand movement.

Do electric toothbrushes help?

Powered brushes with oscillating heads remove more plaque than manual brushes in most studies, which reduces bleeding.

Sources

  1. American Academy of Periodontology, patient resources
  2. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, periodontal (gum) disease
  3. Löe H, Theilade E, Jensen SB. Experimental gingivitis in man. J Periodontol 1965

Reviewed by , Director of IT and Medical Compliance: 25 years in dentistry, medicine and HIPAA compliance. Updated . Checked against the sources listed. General information, not medical advice.

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