Bleeding Gums: Why It Happens and How to Stop It
Gums that bleed when you brush are not normal — but in most cases they are completely reversible within two weeks.
Bleeding is inflammation, not injury
In most cases bleeding gums mean plaque has been sitting undisturbed along the gum line long enough to cause gingivitis. Healthy gums do not bleed with normal brushing.
People often brush the bleeding area less, which allows more plaque to build up and makes the bleeding worse.
Gingivitis versus periodontitis
Gingivitis is limited to the gum and fully reversible. If it is left untreated the inflammation reaches the bone supporting the teeth — periodontitis — which causes gum recession, bad breath and eventually loose teeth. Bone lost at that stage does not grow back on its own.
What treatment involves
A professional scaling removes hardened calculus that brushing cannot. Deeper pockets may need root planing under local anaesthesia. Gum charting and X-rays determine which is needed.
Other contributors are checked too: diabetes, smoking, vitamin deficiencies, pregnancy and certain medications all influence gum bleeding.
The two-week test
After a cleaning, brush gently twice daily and clean between every tooth once daily. In most patients bleeding stops within 10–14 days. If it does not, a periodontal review is warranted rather than more mouthwash.
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