Symptom

Bleeding gums

Find out what causes bleeding gums, the warning signs to watch for, how they're treated, and when you should see a dentist about ongoing gum bleeding.

This is when your gums bleed, often while you're brushing or flossing, though sometimes it happens with no obvious trigger. It's usually an early sign of gum inflammation, but occasionally it points to another health condition.

What causes bleeding gums?

In most cases, bleeding gums come down to plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth every day. If it isn't removed, it irritates your gums and causes them to bleed. Dental causes include:

  • gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease
  • periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease
  • brushing too hard, or using a hard-bristled toothbrush
  • flossing too roughly, especially after a long break from flossing
  • ill-fitting dentures or other dental appliances.

Bleeding gums can also be linked to other health factors, including:

  • hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty or menopause
  • a vitamin C or vitamin K deficiency
  • blood-thinning medication
  • diabetes or a blood-clotting disorder
  • stress
  • rarely, a condition such as leukaemia.

Are there different types of bleeding gums?

Bleeding gums usually reflect one of two stages of gum disease:

  • Gingivitis: An early, reversible stage where your gums are red, swollen and bleed easily, but the deeper structures of your teeth aren't yet damaged
  • Periodontitis: A more advanced stage where the infection has spread to the tissue and bone that support your teeth, which can lead to loose teeth if it isn't treated.

Bleeding can also be localised, affecting just one tooth or area, which often points to inflammation in that specific spot, or more general across your gums.

How are bleeding gums diagnosed?

Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums and ask about your oral care habits, diet and any medicines you take. They'll often use a small probe to measure the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth, which shows whether periodontitis has developed.

If there's no obvious dental cause, you may also be offered:

  • blood tests, to check for conditions such as diabetes, clotting disorders or vitamin deficiencies
  • X-rays of your teeth and jawbone, to check for bone loss.

How are bleeding gums treated?

If you can't get to a dentist straight away, these steps can help manage bleeding gums at home:

  • Rinse gently with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water) to reduce inflammation
  • Apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean gauze pad for several minutes
  • Avoid smoking, alcohol and spicy food, which can irritate your gums further
  • Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently
  • Keep drinking water to help flush away bacteria
  • Keep an eye on how long the bleeding lasts and whether any other symptoms develop.

Longer term, your dentist will treat the underlying cause. For gum disease, this usually means:

  • a professional clean to remove plaque and tartar
  • tooth scaling and root planing, a deeper clean beneath the gum line
  • antibiotics, if there's an infection
  • in more advanced cases, gum surgery.

If your bleeding gums are linked to another health condition, such as diabetes or a vitamin deficiency, your dentist or doctor will treat that condition directly.

When should I see a dentist?

Occasional light bleeding, for example after biting into something hard, usually isn't a cause for concern. Book a dental check-up if:

  • your gums bleed regularly, not just occasionally
  • the bleeding hasn't settled after 1 to 2 weeks of gentle brushing and flossing
  • your gums are swollen, red or tender
  • your gums are receding or pulling away from your teeth
  • you also have bad breath or loose teeth.

Seek urgent dental care, or call 111 out of hours, if:

  • the bleeding is heavy and doesn't stop after several minutes of pressure
  • your gums are swollen and painful with pus or discharge
  • you have a fever or feel generally unwell alongside the bleeding
  • the bleeding started suddenly with no obvious trigger.

FAQs

  • Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush?

    No, healthy gums shouldn't bleed regularly. A small amount of bleeding when you first start flossing again after a break can happen, but ongoing bleeding when you brush is a sign of gum inflammation and is worth getting checked.

  • Can bleeding gums go away on their own?

    Mild gum inflammation can improve with better brushing and flossing, often within 1 to 2 weeks. But once gum disease has progressed further, it needs professional treatment, and leaving it usually makes things worse.

  • Am I brushing too hard if my gums bleed?

    Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can irritate your gums, but the most common cause of bleeding is inflammation from plaque, not brushing technique alone.

  • What vitamin deficiency causes bleeding gums?

    A lack of vitamin C or vitamin K can both contribute to bleeding gums. Vitamin K plays a role in blood clotting, while vitamin C is involved in wound healing.

  • Should I stop flossing or using interdental brushes if my gums bleed?

    No. Bleeding when you first use interdental brushes or floss often means there's already some inflammation present, and stopping only allows plaque to build back up. Keep cleaning gently every day and the bleeding should reduce within a few days.

  • Can stress cause bleeding gums?

    It can contribute. One study found gum health worsened in students during exam periods compared with a control group, possibly linked to stress hormones or a tendency to neglect oral hygiene when under pressure.