BLEEDING GUM CONCERNS
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are more common than most people realize—and almost always treatable once we find the cause.
We'll walk you through how to tell if it's an emergency and what to do today.
See what patients felt when we treated this concern.
Many people come to us with bleeding gums. Their visits often end with relief and a natural-looking repair.
Read more reviewsWhy this happens
Bleeding gums are more common than most people realize—and almost always treatable once we find the cause.
Gums bleeding when you brush or floss?
Seeing pink in the sink can be worrying—but it's usually your gums asking for attention, not a reason to panic. Bleeding is often an early sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis) or plaque hiding under the gumline, and the earlier we step in, the simpler treatment tends to be.
Bleeding is just one of the clues
If you've noticed any of these changes for more than about a week, it's worth getting your gums checked properly.
Gums bleed when you brush, floss, or use a water flosser
Gums look red, shiny, or puffy instead of light pink
Your gumline looks uneven or your teeth appear a bit longer
You notice tenderness when eating, brushing, or touching your gums
Common causes we look for
Bleeding can be triggered by a mix of local gum irritation, dental plaque, and overall health factors. At your visit, we'll sort out which ones apply to you.
Local gum irritation
- •Plaque and tartar build-up along and under the gumline
- •Brushing too hard or using a stiff-bristled toothbrush
- •Not flossing regularly, then suddenly flossing after a long gap
Whole-body and lifestyle factors
- •Pregnancy or hormone changes that make gums more reactive
- •Smoking or other tobacco use
- •Conditions like diabetes that affect how your body heals
- •Certain medications that influence bleeding or inflammation
Simple changes that help your gums calm down
Home care is your first line of defense. These steps, combined with a professional cleaning, often make a big difference in just a few weeks.
Brush gently twice a day
Use a soft or electric toothbrush and let the bristles do the work. Angle them towards the gumline and move in small circles instead of scrubbing back and forth.
Floss once a day (even if it bleeds at first)
Bleeding when you start flossing regularly is common. As plaque is cleared away and gums heal, the bleeding should slowly reduce rather than get worse.
Add an alcohol-free antiseptic rinse
Rinsing after brushing can help reduce the bacteria film that irritates your gums, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Stay consistent with cleanings
Twice-yearly professional cleanings remove tartar and buildup you can't reach at home and are one of the best ways to prevent gum disease.
Consider quitting smoking
Tobacco makes gum disease more likely and harder to control. If you're thinking about cutting back or quitting, we can support you and your physician's plan.
How we understand it
We check your gums for inflammation and pocket depths, look for plaque and tartar buildup, review your health history and habits, then recommend a plan that may include deep cleaning and ongoing periodontal maintenance.
From gentle cleaning to deep gum therapy
Your exact plan depends on how advanced the inflammation is. We always start with a thorough exam and the least invasive option that will actually work.
Gum exam and measurements
We check your gums visually, measure pocket depths around each tooth, and look for areas of tartar under the gumline on X-rays.
Routine cleaning or deep cleaning (SRP)
If you're in the early gingivitis stage, a detailed cleaning above the gumline may be enough. If tartar has moved under the gums, we recommend a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove the buildup and allow gums to reattach.
Healing phase and re-check
Gums usually look and feel better over the next few weeks. We'll re-evaluate bleeding and pocket depths, then move you into a maintenance schedule that keeps things stable.
When bleeding gums are a red flag
Book an appointment if your gums have been bleeding for more than a week, you see swelling or redness that isn't improving, or your teeth look longer or slightly looser than before. These are early warning signs that gum disease may be developing under the surface—and catching it early lets us treat it with simpler, more comfortable options.
Schedule a gum checkWhat relief looks like
With a combination of deep cleaning, better home care, and habit tweaks, bleeding usually settles down quickly and your gums feel calmer and healthier.
- •Gum Disease Treatment
- •Deep cleaning to address gum issues
- •Periodontal Maintenance
When to call sooner: If you have swelling, fever, or trouble sleeping from pain, let us know when you call — we'll prioritize you.
Bleeding gums Q&A
Pro Tip
If flossing makes your gums bleed, it's usually a sign to floss more consistently—not a reason to stop.
Ready for relief?
Same-day appointments often available.
Same-day appointments often available. We handle emergencies gently.
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Read articleCommon questions about Bleeding Gums
Is bleeding gums serious?
Bleeding gums are more common than most people realize—and almost always treatable once we find the cause.
How do I know if I need treatment?
We check your gums for inflammation and pocket depths, look for plaque and tartar buildup, review your health history and habits, then recommend a plan that may include deep cleaning and ongoing periodontal maintenance.
Can this go away on its own?
With a combination of deep cleaning, better home care, and habit tweaks, bleeding usually settles down quickly and your gums feel calmer and healthier.