Why Do Gums Bleed When Brushing?
The most common reason gums bleed during brushing is inflammation caused by the build-up of bacterial plaque along the gumline. Plaque forms naturally throughout the day and, if not effectively removed, it can irritate the delicate gum tissue and trigger an inflammatory response.
When gum tissue becomes inflamed, it also becomes more fragile. The small blood vessels within the gums are closer to the surface and more prone to bleeding, even with gentle brushing. This is why bleeding may be more noticeable in areas where plaque has accumulated — particularly between the teeth and along the gumline.
It is important to understand that bleeding during brushing is not caused by brushing too hard in most cases, but rather by the underlying inflammation that makes the tissue vulnerable. Identifying and addressing this inflammation is the key to improving gum health.
Common Causes of Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can result from several factors. A professional examination is the most reliable way to identify the specific cause and guide appropriate management.
Gingivitis
The most common cause of bleeding gums. Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease in which plaque bacteria along the gumline trigger inflammation, making the gum tissue more fragile and prone to bleeding.
Periodontal Disease
If gingivitis is left unmanaged, it may progress to periodontitis — a deeper infection affecting the bone and tissues supporting the teeth. Bleeding may persist or worsen as the condition advances.
Inadequate Oral Hygiene
Insufficient brushing or irregular interdental cleaning allows plaque to accumulate, particularly along the gumline and between teeth, increasing the likelihood of gum irritation and bleeding.
Smoking
Tobacco use impairs blood flow to the gums and reduces the body's ability to respond to inflammation. Smoking can also mask symptoms such as bleeding, potentially delaying identification of gum disease.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause can increase gum sensitivity and make the tissues more susceptible to inflammation, even when oral hygiene is well maintained.
Medical Conditions
Certain systemic conditions — including diabetes, blood disorders, and immune system conditions — as well as some medications such as blood thinners, can affect gum health and contribute to bleeding.
Occasional vs Persistent Bleeding
Occasional Bleeding
Minor bleeding may sometimes occur when restarting interdental cleaning after a break, or when using a new toothbrush. In these cases, the bleeding often settles within a few days as the gum tissue adapts.
However, even occasional bleeding is worth noting and mentioning at your next dental appointment, as it may indicate early-stage inflammation that could benefit from professional attention.
Persistent Bleeding
If your gums bleed regularly over several days or weeks — particularly in the same areas — this is more likely to indicate underlying gum inflammation such as gingivitis or a more advanced periodontal concern.
Persistent bleeding should be assessed by a dental professional to determine the cause and allow appropriate treatment to be arranged. Earlier assessment often means simpler and more effective management.
Why Professional Assessment Is Important
Bleeding during brushing is not considered a normal part of oral health, and it should not be dismissed or accepted as unavoidable. While it is a common experience, it typically signals that the gums would benefit from professional assessment.
During a dental examination, your dentist or hygienist may carry out gum measurements (periodontal charting) to assess the depth of any pockets that have formed between the gums and teeth. These pockets are not visible at home and can harbour bacteria that contribute to ongoing inflammation.
Identifying gum inflammation at the early gingivitis stage is valuable because, with appropriate professional care and improved daily hygiene, gum health may improve significantly. If the condition has progressed further, structured management can help stabilise the situation and reduce the risk of further deterioration.
Professional Treatment Options
The management of bleeding gums depends on the severity and underlying cause identified during assessment. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation and may improve gum health over time. Your dental team may recommend:
Professional Scale and Polish
Thorough removal of plaque and calculus (tartar) from the tooth surfaces and along the gumline. This aims to reduce the bacterial load that contributes to gum inflammation.
Periodontal Cleaning Below the Gumline
Where deeper pockets have formed, root surface debridement may be recommended to clean below the gumline and help stabilise gum attachment.
Personalised Oral Hygiene Instruction
Tailored guidance on brushing technique, interdental cleaning, and product selection to support effective daily plaque removal at home.
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular follow-up assessments allow your dental team to track gum health, measure improvement, and adjust your care plan as needed over time.
Results depend on individual factors including the consistency of daily oral hygiene and attendance at recommended follow-up appointments. Your dental team will work with you to develop a plan suited to your needs.
Professional Gum Health Assessment
A professional dental assessment can help determine whether bleeding gums are due to early gingivitis or a more advanced periodontal concern. Understanding the cause is the first step toward effective management and improved gum health.
Our dental team provides comprehensive gum disease treatment including professional hygiene therapy and periodontal monitoring. We also offer general dentistry and hygiene services for routine preventive care. If you are experiencing significant gum swelling or pain alongside bleeding, our emergency dental assessment service is available.
Assessment for bleeding gums when brushing is available at our London clinics. You can attend our South Kensington dental clinic or our City of London clinic near St Paul's for a professional gum health review.
Should I Stop Brushing If My Gums Bleed?
It is understandable to want to avoid an area that bleeds, but stopping brushing is not advisable. Gums typically bleed because of plaque-related inflammation, and ceasing to brush the affected area can allow further plaque accumulation — which may worsen the problem.
Instead, gentle but thorough brushing should continue. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and taking care to clean along the gumline can help remove plaque without causing additional irritation. In many cases, consistent gentle brushing can help reduce inflammation over time.
If you are uncertain about the best brushing technique for your situation, your dentist or hygienist can provide personalised guidance during a professional appointment.
Preventing Bleeding Gums
Maintaining good oral health habits is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of gum inflammation and bleeding:
- Brush thoroughly twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, paying particular attention to the gumline where plaque tends to accumulate
- Clean between your teeth daily using interdental brushes or floss to remove plaque from areas a toothbrush cannot reach
- Attend professional hygiene appointments at the frequency recommended by your dental team
- Attend routine dental check-ups to allow early identification of any changes in gum health
- If you smoke, consider seeking support for cessation — your dentist or GP can provide guidance
