Please be informed of our upcoming holiday schedules on the following location:

  • Wentworth Point – Closed on 25/12, 26/12, 27/12, 31/12, 01/01
  • Ropes Crossing – Closed on 25/12, 26/12, 27/12, 01/01

We are open on dates not mentioned above.

Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush My Teeth?

When it comes to brushing your teeth, it’s important to be aware of any unusual bleeding. Even a small amount of blood may be an indication of a deeper oral health issue. Red should not be an expected outcome of brushing your teeth. If your gums are bleeding when brushing your teeth or otherwise, it’s advisable to speak with a dentist and get the treatment you need. Proactive dental care helps identify dental issues before they worsen, allowing for early treatment and prevention for healthy teeth and gums.

If you’re facing bleeding gums and are asking yourself daily, “why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth”, we’ve got the answers for you – with causes, prevention, and treatment to help protect your teeth and gums for a healthier smile. Read on to find out more. 

5 Reasons Your Gums Might Bleed

Some of the reasons your gums may bleed include:

You may have Food Particles Stuck Around the Area

Brushing and flossing twice daily, correctly and thoroughly, is key to maintaining teeth and gums. Food stuck in your teeth can lead to bacteria formation, increasing the risk of infection and causing gum inflammation. This can make your gums bleed and feel painful. When brushing and flossing your teeth, ensure there are no food particles left or trapped between your teeth to avoid gum inflammation and bleeding. 

Brushing your teeth too hard

Brushing your teeth too hard, brushing back and forth instead of gentle circular motions and using a hard-bristled toothbrush can make your gums bleed. Educating yourself on the correct way of brushing your teeth and being gentle near the gumline protects your gums from irritation and tooth enamel from erosion. 

 Gingivitis, or the early stage of gum disease

Plaque buildup can cause gum inflammation and make your gums bleed. This is also called gingivitis and is usually the first sign of gum disease. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gingivitis. This can be treated easily in the early stages by getting the plaque buildup removed by your dentist. If left untreated, the plaque hardens, settling into the gaps and weakening your gums, making them redder and more swollen. The bleeding also becomes more severe.

You have an underlying health condition

Bleeding gums can also be caused by an underlying health condition or a weakened immune system, certain medications or vitamin deficiencies. Some women may also experience bleeding gums during pregnancy.

Your dentures or partials don’t fit properly

Poorly fitted dentures can irritate your gums, leading to pain and bleeding. This may simply happen because they may not have been fitted correctly in the first place, your teeth have shifted over time or due to bone loss. It’s advisable to keep up with your half-yearly checkups to maintain your teeth and gums or any other restorations you may have to prevent such problems. 

How to Stop Gums from Bleeding

Some of the things you can do to stop your gums from bleeding include:

Performing high standard of oral hygiene

Performing effective, regular tooth brushing and flossing allow maintaining good oral health. It is recommended to brush twice a day, first thing in the morning and last thing at night, and to perform daily flossing. 

Using mouthwash

An antibacterial mouthwash can help stop bleeding gums by killing the bacteria in the mouth that cause gum disease. Killing the bacteria reduces and prevents inflammation of the gums, which can help stop the bleeding. 

Using a warm salt rinse

Rinsing your mouth with salt water helps reduce inflammation and bacteria. Mix a teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth three to four times a day. 

When You Should See a Dentist

Bleeding gums should not be taken lightly. Even though you can stop the bleeding temporarily, long-term treatment and solutions should be prioritised. Visit your dentist for the correct diagnosis to address the issue correctly.

If your gums don’t stop bleeding within 7 to 10 days, see your dentist without delay. You may need plaque removal, or your doctor might recommend some medical tests to find out if there may be vitamin deficiencies or any other underlying health issue. 

Get Quality Dental Care for Lasting Oral Health with Boon Dental 

If your gums are bleeding when brushing your teeth or you’re experiencing pain anywhere in your mouth, we can help. At Boon Dental, we strive to provide our patients not only with quality dental care and personalised treatment plans but also educate them on how to maintain their oral health and hygiene for lasting results. With two clinics at accessible locations in Wentworth Point and Ropes Crossing and a range of dental services, we’re here to make dental care easy for you. Book an appointment today.

Boon Dental