Health tips · 2026-09-13

Bleeding gums when you brush? Don't ignore it

A little blood when you brush or floss is easy to shrug off. But healthy gums don't bleed, and that small sign is often the earliest stage of gum disease, the kind that's easy to fix now and expensive to fix later.

Why gums bleed

Most bleeding is gingivitis: plaque building up along the gumline, irritating the tissue. Left alone it can progress to periodontitis, which damages the bone that holds your teeth. The good news is that early gingivitis is usually reversible.

What you can do this week

Brush gently twice a day along the gumline, and clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes. Don't stop brushing an area because it bleeds; gentle, consistent cleaning is what calms it down.

If bleeding continues for more than a week or two, or your gums are swollen or receding, it's time for a professional clean.

When to come in

Persistent bleeding, bad breath that won't shift, loose teeth or gums pulling away from the teeth all deserve a check. A scale and polish plus a proper technique check often turns things around quickly.