Why gums bleed, and what to do about it

Common, but not normal

Many patients consider bleeding when brushing to be ordinary. In reality it usually indicates gum inflammation caused by plaque accumulating at the gum margin.

Possible causes

• plaque and calculus that have not been removed
• incorrect brushing technique or no interdental cleaning
• smoking
• hormonal changes (pregnancy, puberty)
• certain medical conditions or medicines

What you can do

Counter-intuitively, the answer is not to avoid the area. Gentle but correct brushing, together with daily interdental cleaning, usually reduces inflammation within a few weeks.

If bleeding persists, if the gums have receded, or if teeth feel loose, a clinical assessment is needed.