Why are my gums bleeding?
Bleeding gums are most often an early sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), usually from plaque building up along the gumline. The good news: caught early, it's common, manageable, and often reversible with a professional clean and better daily care.
Is bleeding gums something to worry about?
A little blood when you brush or floss is your gums telling you they're irritated, not a reason to panic, but not something to ignore either. In the early stage (gingivitis) it's very treatable.
If your gums bleed a lot, are painful, or you've noticed loose teeth or persistent bad breath, it's worth being seen sooner rather than later.
What causes bleeding gums?
The most common cause is plaque building up where the tooth meets the gum, often in spots that are easy to miss when brushing.
Other things can contribute: brushing too hard, a brand-new flossing routine (which usually settles within a week or two), some medications, hormonal changes in pregnancy, and smoking. We'll help you work out what's going on for you.
What you can do at home
Brush gently twice a day, and clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes. Don't be alarmed if flossing causes a little bleeding at first, that often improves as your gums get healthier.
Good home care helps a lot, but it can't remove hardened tartar. That's exactly what a professional clean is for.
What happens if it's left?
Ignored over months and years, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the gum and bone start to pull away from the teeth. That's the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and unlike early gum inflammation, the damage can't be fully reversed. The earlier it's looked at, the simpler it is to sort out, which is the whole point of catching it now.
However long it's been, there's no lecture here
A gentle check-up and clean is usually all it takes to get on top of bleeding gums, and to know exactly where you stand. We'll explain what we see, in plain language, and leave the decisions to you.
Book your first visitCommon questions
Should I stop flossing if my gums bleed?
No, keep going gently. Bleeding often settles within a week or two as your gums get healthier. If it doesn't, come and see us.
Will a clean hurt if my gums are inflamed?
It's gentle and we go at your pace. Inflamed gums can be a little tender, but we keep you comfortable throughout.
Can bleeding gums heal on their own?
Early inflammation can improve with better home care, but a professional clean removes the tartar you can't reach, which is usually what's driving it.