Why Are My Gums Bleeding? (And How You Can Stop It)

Understand the cause of your bleeding gums and how to stop it in this blog. Discover common causes, treatment options, and expert advice to improve your gum health.

If you’ve found yourself asking, “Why are my gums bleeding?”, you’re certainly not alone. Millions of people in the UK currently live with gum disease, making it one of the country’s most common oral health problems.

Seeing blood when you brush or floss can feel alarming, but before you panic, it’s important to recognise that bleeding gums are common and can be treated with simple changes to your oral care routine.

In this article, we’ll explain the most common causes of bleeding gums, when it’s time to see a dentist, and the steps you can take to improve your gum health.

Why are my gums bleeding?                                                    

The most common cause of bleeding gums is gum disease (gingivitis). According to the British Society of Periodontology, it affects over 45% of UK adults.

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It’s usually caused by a build-up of plaque along the gumline, which triggers inflammation, redness and bleeding. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease that can damage the tissues and bone supporting your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Further reports show 9% of people are affected by severe gum disease, where bleeding is caused by gentle probing only. Gums that bleed with only gentle contact are often a sign of advanced gum disease and should be assessed by your dentist as soon as possible.

Besides gum disease, other reasons for bleeding gums can include:

• Aggressive brushing.
• New flossing routines.
• Wrong-fitting dental appliances.
• Bruxism (Teeth grinding).
• Hormonal fluctuations.
• Bleeding disorders.
• Blood-thinning medications.
• Nutritional deficiencies.
• Chronic stress.
• Smoking.

From hormonal spikes developed during pregnancy to medications and diet switches, multiple variables can influence bleeding gums. But whatever the underlying cause, a professional assessment is the quickest way to find the right treatment.

Why are my gums bleeding when I brush my teeth?

Bleeding gums during brushing are either the result of gum disease or brushing too hard. For example, switching to a toothbrush with firmer bristles or brushing with more pressure than usual can irritate otherwise healthy gums.

However, when bleeding persists beyond a few days, it’s more likely to indicate gum disease rather than irritation from brushing alone. Either way, the fastest route to determining the cause of bleeding is to book an appointment with your dentist or dental hygienist.

As part of your examination, your dental professional will assess your gum health by measuring your gums for signs of inflammation and gum disease.

Normally, these are measured across four levels as part of a Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE):

1. 0 – Healthy gums.
2. 1-2 – Gingivitis.
3. 3-4 – Periodontitis.

Conducting a BPE is a routine procedure from your dentist that will help establish whether your bleeding is from gum disease or irritation from your brushing technique.

If gum disease is identified, your dentist or hygienist will recommend the most appropriate treatment before advising you on the best approach to improve your daily oral hygiene routine.

When your gums are otherwise healthy, a few simple adjustments to your brushing routine are often enough. These adjustments would include:

• Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Brush gently using small, circular motions.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily with interdental brushes.
• Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head once every three months.

How to get your gums to stop bleeding?

When trying to stop bleeding gums, the first step is to identify the cause. And the only way to know for sure is for a professional dentist or hygienist to conduct a formal assessment. Once your dentist has helped identify the cause, it’s down to you to be proactive and act on their advice.

From improved hygiene habits to dietary and lifestyle changes, managing gum disease requires discipline through daily cleaning and constant maintenance.

Depending on the severity of your gum disease, the hygienist will perform the following treatments:

• Scaling – Remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline with specialised tools and ultrasonic devices.
• Polishing – Your hygienist will then apply a rotating rubber brush and paste to remove stains and smooth over your tooth surface.
• Fluoride/Sealants – If necessary, your hygienist may apply a fluoride varnish or gel to strengthen your tooth enamel. They may also recommend placing sealants on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars) to help protect them from decay.

At the end of your hygienist appointment, you will receive essential education to take home and embed into your own oral health routine.

Depending on the condition of your gums, they may recommend another visit in three or six months. Regardless of your gum condition, it’s always recommended that you see your hygienist annually, even if it’s just for a short check-up to assess that everything is healthy.

Speak to an expert about your bleeding gums

At Illume 360° Dental Care, we take a holistic approach to dentistry because we understand that your oral health plays an important role in your overall wellbeing.

Whether your bleeding gums are caused by early gum disease, your brushing technique, or another underlying issue, our experienced dentists and hygienists will carry out a thorough assessment to identify the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

So, if you’re concerned about bleeding gums and would like to stop it, get in touch with our Cheltenham practice today to book your consultation.