Bleeding gums: common causes and what to do

Why gums bleed when you brush, why brushing less makes it worse, and when bleeding needs a dentist or a doctor.

Seeing blood in the sink after brushing is common, and it is a message from your gums. Healthy gums do not usually bleed. In most people the cause is something you can fix.

Why do gums bleed?

The most common cause is plaque left along the gum line. Plaque is the soft, sticky layer that forms on teeth every day. When it stays, the gum becomes inflamed, red and tender, and it bleeds easily. This early stage is called gingivitis.

Other causes include:

brushing too hard or with a hard-bristled brush
starting to floss after a long gap, when the gums bleed for the first few days
hardened plaque, called tartar, which a toothbrush cannot remove
hormonal changes, such as in pregnancy
some medicines, including blood thinners, and some health conditions such as diabetes

Should you brush less?

No. This is the most common mistake. Brushing less lets more plaque build up and the bleeding gets worse. Keep brushing, but gently, with a soft brush and small circles along the gum line. See how to brush your teeth properly.

What helps?

Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth once a day. Flossing and cleaning between teeth explains how.
Give it one to two weeks. If the cause is plaque, bleeding usually reduces as the gums become healthier.
Have your teeth scaled if there is tartar. You cannot remove it yourself.

What if it does not stop?

If the gums keep bleeding after two weeks of careful cleaning, see a dentist. The gum inflammation may have gone deeper. Read gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.

When to see a doctor as well

Tell a doctor if gums bleed heavily without any brushing, if you also bruise easily or bleed from the nose or elsewhere, or if you take blood-thinning medicines. Do not stop any medicine on your own.

When to see a dentist

Come in if bleeding lasts more than two weeks, if the gums are swollen, or if your breath has changed. Dental check-ups and scaling are available at both our clinics, in Sayan and on Chhaprabhatha-Variyav Road. Use the booking button below to ask for an appointment.

This guide is general information and does not replace a visit to your dentist or doctor. Read our medical disclaimer