Bleeding gums are most often caused by gingivitis, an early and reversible form of gum disease triggered by plaque along the gumline. Keep brushing and cleaning between your teeth gently, and book a check-up if the bleeding doesn’t settle within a week or two. Heavy bleeding that won’t stop, or bleeding with unexplained bruising, needs prompt medical attention.
A little pink in the sink when you brush is common, but it isn’t normal. Healthy gums don’t usually bleed with gentle brushing or flossing.
This guide explains the likely causes, what you can do at home and when bleeding becomes urgent. For other urgent problems, see what counts as a dental emergency.
When bleeding gums are urgent
Call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you have:
- bleeding from the mouth that won’t stop after 15–20 minutes of firm pressure with gauze or a clean cloth
- difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling spreading to the eye, neck or floor of the mouth
- bleeding after an injury with a possible broken jaw, or a knock to the head with loss of consciousness, vomiting or confusion
See your doctor promptly, the same day if you can, if your gums bleed and you also notice unexplained bruising, frequent nosebleeds, tiny red or purple spots on the skin, unusual tiredness, fever or weight loss. These can point to a problem with the blood or another medical condition that needs checking.
If you take blood thinners and your gums are bleeding more than usual, contact your doctor for advice. Don’t stop or change any prescribed medicine without medical advice, as that can be dangerous. Out of hours, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for 24/7 nurse advice.
Bleeding after a tooth extraction
Some oozing for the first day is expected. If bleeding is steady, fold a clean gauze pad, place it over the socket and bite firmly for 15–20 minutes without checking. Sit upright and avoid rinsing, spitting and hot drinks. If it keeps bleeding after this, contact our emergency dentist in North Sydney or, out of hours, go to the nearest emergency department.
Why do gums bleed?
Gingivitis
When plaque sits along the gumline, the gums become red, puffy and tender, and they bleed easily when brushed. Gingivitis doesn’t damage the bone, so it can usually be reversed with thorough daily cleaning and a professional clean.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis continues, the inflammation can spread below the gumline and start to destroy the bone and fibres that hold teeth in place. Signs include bleeding, receding gums, bad breath, a bad taste, gum pockets and loose or shifting teeth. Lost bone doesn’t usually grow back, but treatment can often slow or stop the disease.
Other common factors
- Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled brush.
- Starting to floss. Gums often bleed for the first week or so, then settle as they become healthier.
- Pregnancy. Hormone changes can make gums more sensitive to plaque. Let your dentist know you’re pregnant; check-ups and cleans are an important part of care during pregnancy.
- Medicines. Blood thinners can make bleeding more noticeable, and some other medicines can cause the gums to swell.
- Diabetes and smoking. Both raise the risk of gum disease. Smoking can also hide bleeding by reducing blood flow, so gum disease may be more advanced than it looks.
- Rough fillings or crowns that trap plaque at the gumline.
- Less common causes, such as a lack of vitamin C or a blood disorder, which your doctor can investigate if other signs are present.
What to do at home
- Keep brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Angle the bristles towards the gumline and use gentle circles rather than scrubbing.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes. Don’t stop because of some bleeding, as that is usually a sign the area needs cleaning.
- Rinse with warm salty water if your gums feel sore.
- If you smoke, consider quitting. Your doctor or Quitline can help.
- Book a check-up if the bleeding hasn’t improved after a week or two of careful cleaning, or sooner if you notice swelling, pain or loose teeth.
Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, taken as directed on the pack, may help with sore gums if it’s safe for you. Ibuprofen isn’t suitable for everyone, particularly people on blood thinners, so check with your pharmacist.
How a dentist treats gum bleeding
Your dentist will look at your gums, measure any pockets around the teeth and may take X-rays to check the bone. They will also ask about your general health and medications. Treatment usually includes:
- A scale and clean. Hardened tartar can’t be removed with a toothbrush. A professional teeth cleaning removes it from above and just below the gumline so the gums can heal.
- Deeper cleaning below the gumline for periodontitis, sometimes over more than one visit, with local anaesthetic for comfort.
- Fixing plaque traps, such as smoothing or replacing rough fillings.
- Home care coaching, including the right brush size and interdental brush fit for your mouth.
- Review visits to check the gums are responding.
In many cases, gums bleed noticeably less within a few weeks of a professional clean and consistent home care.
Keeping your gums healthy
Regular check-ups let problems be found while they are still reversible. Our preventive dentistry care in North Sydney includes examinations, cleans and advice tailored to your gums. If you have diabetes, are pregnant or take medicines that affect your gums, you may need more frequent visits.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop brushing if my gums bleed?
No. Keep brushing gently with a soft toothbrush and keep cleaning between your teeth. Bleeding from gingivitis usually improves as the plaque is removed. If it doesn’t settle within a week or two, see your dentist.
Are bleeding gums serious?
Usually they are an early sign of gum disease, which is treatable. Bleeding that won’t stop after 15–20 minutes of pressure needs urgent care, and bleeding with unexplained bruising, nosebleeds or feeling unwell should be checked by a doctor promptly.
Can blood thinners cause bleeding gums?
Blood thinners can make gum bleeding more noticeable, especially if gum disease is present. Don’t stop or change your medicine without medical advice. Tell your dentist what you take, and contact your doctor if bleeding is more than usual.
Is it normal for gums to bleed during pregnancy?
It is common, because hormone changes make gums react more strongly to plaque. It still needs attention, so keep up gentle cleaning and let your dentist know you’re pregnant at your check-up.
Need help now?
North Sydney Dentistry is at Level 1, Suite 102/71 Walker St, North Sydney, a two-minute walk from North Sydney station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and keep time aside for urgent problems where we can. Call (02) 8090 1108 or book online.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.