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Gums bleeding when brushing or flossing is a common question. What are the usual causes, and when should someone see a dentist?
Bleeding gums are common, but they’re not something to ignore. The most frequent cause is gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, where plaque along the gumline irritates the gums. Early gingivitis is often reversible with better daily cleaning and a professional cleaning.
Other possible contributors include brushing too hard, starting to floss after a break, hormonal changes such as pregnancy, some medications (including blood thinners), and certain medical conditions.
General tips:
- Use a soft-bristled brush and gentle strokes along the gumline twice a day.
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes. Light bleeding often improves within a week or two of consistent cleaning.
- Don’t stop cleaning an area just because it bleeds.
See a dentist if bleeding continues beyond a couple of weeks, gums are receding, teeth feel loose, or there is a bad taste or swelling. A dentist or periodontist (gum specialist) can measure gum pockets to check for more advanced disease. Terms such as “periodontitis” and “scaling and root planing” are explained in our dental glossary.
Seek medical care promptly for heavy bleeding that won’t stop or unexplained bleeding elsewhere in the body.
General education only, not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Please see a licensed dentist about your own situation. For a medical emergency (trouble breathing or swallowing, heavy bleeding, a major injury or rapidly spreading swelling), call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
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