Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are so common that many people assume they're normal. They aren't. Bleeding is your body signalling inflammation — and it's one of the easiest dental problems to reverse.
Ready to book your appointment?
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Bleeding means inflammation, not over-brushing.
Most people respond to bleeding gums by brushing that area less, which allows more plaque to accumulate and makes the bleeding worse. The correct response is to clean the area more carefully, not less.
We'll find out whether this is simple gingivitis or established periodontitis with bone loss — the treatment is very different, and only measurement and X-rays can tell them apart.
What you might notice.
The signs vary, but most people notice one or more of these:
- 01Pink in the sink after brushing
- 02Blood on floss or interdental brushes
- 03Bleeding when eating hard foods
- 04Gums that look darker red than normal
- 05Tenderness in one specific area
- 06Bad taste that returns quickly
Where it comes from.
The most common culprits:
Don't wait it out.
Speak to your our practice dentist if you're experiencing any of the following — book an appointment as soon as you can:
- —Bleeding has continued for more than two weeks.
- —Only one area bleeds — that often means something local.
- —You notice gum recession or longer-looking teeth.
- —You're pregnant or on blood-thinning medication.
In discomfort right now?
Bleeding with swelling, pressure and a bad taste can indicate an abscess. That needs seeing urgently rather than at your next routine visit.
A plan, not a quick fix.
A gum assessment, a thorough hygiene appointment and tailored interdental coaching resolve most bleeding within a few weeks. Where pockets are deep we move on to periodontal treatment.
