5 Causes Of Bleeding Gums When Brushing Your Teeth

If you have not flossed regularly before, your gums might start to bleed between your teeth when you begin to floss. It should clear up within a week with consistent flossing. If it doesn't, then contact your dentist to set up an appointment because this may be a sign of gingivitis.

Using a firm-bristled toothbrush may also result in bleeding gums. Switch to a soft or medium-bristled brush and talk to your dental hygienist about what toothbrush is right for you at your next appointment.

You may notice some bleeding if you floss or brush too vigorously. But don't give up the practice — both flossing and brushing are critical for oral health. Ensure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a gentler touch. The bleeding should stop within a week.

Pregnant women may experience swollen gums and bleeding during brushing. The American Pregnancy Association calls this "pregnancy gingivitis." Hormones can alter the body's response to the bacteria that cause gum disease, causing inflammation. Going to your dental hygiene appointments, brushing regularly, and flossing daily can help to prevent gum inflammation and bleeding from becoming worse.

Here are some less-common reasons gums bleed when brushing: 

• Nutrient deficiency. Certain nutrients play an important role in gum health, particularly vitamins C, D, and K. They’re all involved in healthy immune function and healing, so a lack of any one of these vitamins can make your gums more vulnerable to infection, trauma and bleeding. Vitamin K is also required for blood clotting. 

• Menopause. Like pregnancy, menopause is a time of intense hormone fluctuations that can lead to gums bleeding when brushing. 

• Diabetes. Poorly controlled diabetes causes high blood sugar, which can contribute to gum disease and bleeding gums.  

• Blood disorders. Conditions that affect the blood, like leukemia or hemophilia, can make bleeding more likely and harder to control.

The best way to stop gums bleeding when brushing depends on the cause, and may or may not require professional help.

If you have a mild case of gingivitis, your symptoms might improve with a few changes to your oral hygiene routine and lifestyle. Try: 

• Brushing twice a day with an anti-plaque toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. 
• Flossing every day or using an interdental cleaner of your choice. 
• Being gentle with the toothbrush and floss. 
• Using an antimicrobial mouthwash once a day. 
• Eating crunchy fruits and veggies. 
• Cutting down on sugary foods and drinks. 
• Quitting smoking or using tobacco. 

If you haven’t had a professional cleaning in a while, it’s a good idea to schedule one soon. Make sure to book them every six months to keep your gums clean and healthy.

It’s time to ask your dentist or dental hygienist for help if: 

• Gingivitis symptoms don’t improve after a few weeks of thorough and consistent oral hygiene. 
• You have symptoms of more advanced gum disease, like receding gums or loose teeth. 
• You also have lots of plaque or tartar (hardened plaque), which can only be removed professionally. 
• You have symptoms of a dental infection, such as a fever, or swelling or pain in the face and jaw. 
• You’ve had trauma or injury to your gums and they’re not healing. 
• The bleeding is heavy or doesn’t stop after brushing. 

You should also contact your physician if: 

• You have a health condition or medication that may be making your gums bleed. 
• You suspect a nutrient deficiency or you’re struggling to manage it. 
• You need help quitting smoking.

Gums bleeding when brushing could be a sign of an underlying problem like gingivitis that needs treatment. Gingivitis is reversible with prompt treatment, but if it progresses to periodontitis, you might be left with irreversible damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw bone. For that reason, bleeding gums should never be ignored. 

To reduce the risk of bleeding gums or ease gum irritation, always maintain proper oral hygiene using a soft-bristled brush and gentle flossing technique. Keep up with your dental appointments so you can prevent gingivitis and more severe gum disease, and remember to always ask your dentist for advice if you have symptoms of periodontitis or infection.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.