A common concern is seeing some redness in the sink after brushing your teeth. Healthy gums should not bleed as they are brushing, however this is a warning sign that your body is trying to tell you something is wrong. The gums are becoming inflamed or there could be some trauma being caused. There could also be some changes in your overall health.

It is very important to treat bleeding gums as soon as possible to ensure you protect your teeth, jaw bone and overall health. This article will explain why your gums could be bleeding, signs of early gum disease and how to get your gums back to strong and firm.

Why Are My Gums Bleeding When I Brush My Teeth?

Knowing why your gums are bleeding can help you to take action to protect your dental health.

  • Plaque Build Up – Plaque is constantly forming on your teeth. If this isn’t removed daily bacteria will secrete toxic substances. This causes irritation at the sensitive gum line causing inflammation, redness and frequent bleeding.

  • Brushing Too Hard – Using a hard bristled toothbrush can cause trauma to your gums. This is because too much pressure is being used causing the natural protective layers of your gums to be stripped away.

  • Flossing Irregularly – If you haven’t been flossing and start to do so, your gums will bleed. The soft tissues need to get used to being cleaned daily so they become less inflamed and firm.

  • Hormonal Changes – During pregnancy, puberty, your menstrual cycle and menopause your hormone levels will change. Estrogen and Progesterone levels will increase causing increased blood flow to your gums. This can cause sensitivity.

  • Nutritional Deficiencies – A lack of important nutrients such as Vitamin C and K can cause your soft tissues to weaken. This causes issues with your blood clotting.

What Are The Early Signs Of Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the early stages of gum disease. It will cause mild inflammation to your gums but can easily be reversed if treated early.

  • Bright Red / Purple – Healthy gums should be firm and pale pink. If your gums are appearing a bright red, purple or dark pink color, this means they are inflamed.

  • Swelling – Bacterial toxins cause the soft tissue at the bottom of your teeth to become inflamed. This causes your gums to become puffy meaning they are no longer tight against your teeth. This causes more food to get stuck.

  • Bad Breath – Bacteria that cause bad smells will thrive in inflamed pockets. If you are still having bad breath after brushing and using mouthwash then it is likely to be due to bacteria building up along your gum line.

  • Sensitive – Healthy gums should feel firm. Inflamed gums will cause sensitivity when eating, brushing and flossing.

How Does Periodontitis Cause Severe Gum Damage?

If gingivitis is left untreated the bacteria will go deeper into your gums causing periodontitis.

  • Periodontal Ligaments Being Destroyed – Toxins from the plaque will cause the fibers that attach your teeth to your bone to break down. This causes your teeth to lose their firm support.

  • Bone Loss – Your body will try to fight the bacteria causing severe infection. This will cause your bones to break down causing permanent damage to your smile.

  • Deep Pockets – Healthy pockets between your teeth and gums should be no deeper than 3mm. Periodontitis causes pockets to deepen to 4mm and greater. This causes harmful anaerobic bacteria to build up in the pockets that aren’t reached by daily brushing.

  • Teeth Becoming Loose – Severe bone loss can cause your teeth to become misaligned. They can become very loose or cause discomfort when chewing.

What Is The Link Between Bleeding Gums And Overall Health?

Studies have shown that your dental health can affect your overall health. Studies have shown there are clear links between gum disease and certain serious health conditions.

  • Heart Disease – Bacteria from your inflamed gums will enter your bloodstream through the tiny bleed points. This can cause plaque to build up in your arteries causing an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

  • Diabetes – Having chronic gum disease will make it much harder for diabetics to manage their blood sugar levels. High blood sugar will also make it harder for your body to heal meaning your gums will get worse.

  • Respiratory Infections – Harmful bacteria from severe gum infections can enter your lungs increasing your chances of getting a respiratory infection such as bacterial pneumonia or bronchitis.

  • Pregnancy Complications – If you are pregnant and suffer from untreated periodontitis you have an increased risk of going into labor early and having a baby with a low weight.

How Can You Stop Bleeding Gums?

Mild gum inflammation can be reversed by using a good daily oral hygiene routine to remove plaque without causing damage.

  • Use A Soft Bristled Toothbrush – Replace your medium or hard bristled toothbrush with a soft or ultra-soft bristled one. This will effectively remove the soft plaque without causing damage to your sensitive healing gums.

  • Modified Bass Technique – Hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle facing the gum line. Use gentle circular movements.

  • Inter dental Cleaning – Clean between all of your teeth daily using floss, soft inter dental brushes or a water flosser. This will remove plaque that has built up between your teeth causing the inflammation.

  • Antibacterial Mouthwash – Use an antibacterial mouthwash with no alcohol. This will reduce the amount of bacteria.

What Treatments Are Available From Your Dentist?

Removing plaque from your teeth can be done at home however tartar will need to be removed by your dentist or dental hygienist.

  • Prophylaxis – Your dentist will use specialist tools to remove the tartar from above and below your gums.

  • Deep Cleaning – If you have periodontitis, your dentist will perform a deep cleaning using local anesthetic. This will smooth your teeth roots and remove bacteria from the deep pockets. This will allow your gums to reattach firmly.

  • Antibiotics – Your dentist may place antibiotic gel into the deep pockets or prescribe a short course of antibiotics.

  • Laser Therapy – Some clinics will use a laser to remove the infected tissue from the pockets. This will cause minimal damage to the healthy tissue and speed up your recovery.

What Diet Can Help Strengthen Your Gums?

Eating the right foods can help your gums to heal. It can help strengthen your connective tissue, help produce collagen and boost your immunity.

  • Vitamin C – Vitamin C helps to produce collagen keeping your gums firm. Eat fresh citrus fruits, strawberries, peppers and leafy greens daily.

  • Vitamin K – Vitamin K helps with blood clotting. Add kale, spinach, broccoli and Brussels sprouts to your daily meals.

  • Avoid Sugary / Sticky Foods – Refined sugars and simple carbohydrates can feed the bacteria causing decay and inflammation. Try to avoid drinking fizzy drinks and eating sticky sweets and processed foods.

  • Drink Lots Of Fresh Water – Drinking plenty of water will help to increase saliva production. Saliva contains natural enzymes to help wash away any loose food.

What Are The Essential Tips To Prevent Bleeding Gums?

  • Brush your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day using a soft bristled toothbrush.

  • Hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle facing the gum line. Use gentle circular movements.

  • Clean between all your teeth using floss, inter dental brushes or a water flosser.

  • Replace your toothbrush or electric head every 3 months or when the bristles start to look worn.

  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash with no alcohol daily.

  • Eat a healthy diet with lots of vitamin C, vitamin K and lean proteins.

  • Avoid using tobacco products. Smoking causes poor blood flow and can cause your gums to struggle to heal.

  • Visit your dentist every 6 months for a check up and prophylaxis.

What Are The Frequently Asked Questions About Bleeding Gums?

Is It Normal For My Gums To Bleed When I Start Flossing?

Yes it is completely normal for your gums to bleed slightly when starting to floss daily. This is due to active plaque bacteria causing mild inflammation between your teeth. After gentle flossing daily your gums will no longer be inflamed and will become firm. This should stop after 1-2 weeks.

Should I Stop Brushing My Teeth?

No, you should not stop brushing your teeth. This will cause plaque to build up making your gums worse. Brush your teeth gently twice daily using a soft bristled toothbrush.

How Long Will My Gums Take To Heal?

With daily gentle brushing, flossing and rinsing your gums should heal in 7-14 days. If your gums are still bleeding after 2 weeks of thorough daily care visit your dentist.

When Should I Visit A Dentist?

Visit your dentist if your gums are continuously bleeding for over 2 weeks, bleeding without pressure, swollen, painful or dark red. Also visit your dentist if you have loose teeth, receding gums, pus or bad breath.

Bleeding gums are a clear sign that something is wrong with your dental health. Knowing why your gums are bleeding can help you gain control of your dental health quickly. Gentle daily brushing, mandatory flossing, a healthy diet and regular 6 monthly check ups will stop your gums from bleeding, prevent severe periodontitis and keep your natural smile. Book a full check up with your dental professional today.