Causes of Bleeding Gums: What It Means and What to Do

Bleeding gums is when you see blood from your gums, usually while brushing, flossing or eating. It’s common but not normal—it signals inflammation. Most cases are due to plaque irritating the gumline (gingivitis) and can progress to periodontitis. It can also result from hard brushing, flossing changes, ill‑fitting dentures/braces, hormone shifts, vitamin deficiency, diabetes or blood‑thinning medicines.

This guide explains the main dental causes, everyday triggers, and medical conditions and medicines that raise risk. You’ll learn which symptoms matter, when to see a dentist or your GP in the UK, what to do right now, the treatments professionals use, and how to prevent bleeding gums—plus tailored advice for pregnancy, children and people with diabetes.

The most common dental causes: plaque, gingivitis and periodontitis

The leading causes of bleeding gums start with plaque — a sticky film of bacteria that builds up along the gumline each day. If it isn’t removed with thorough brushing and cleaning between teeth, it irritates the gums and triggers gingivitis: red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush, floss or eat harder foods. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is usually reversible with better oral hygiene and a professional clean. Left unchecked, plaque hardens into tartar and bacteria spread below the gum margin, causing periodontitis. This advanced gum disease creates deep “pockets”, erodes the supporting ligament and bone, and can lead to ongoing bleeding, bad breath, gum recession and, eventually, loose teeth.

• Plaque buildup: daily biofilm that irritates gum tissue.

• Gingivitis: early gum inflammation; bleeding is common and reversible.

• Periodontitis: deeper infection with tissue and bone loss; bleeding often persists and teeth may loosen.

Other dental triggers: brushing too hard, flossing changes, braces and dentures

Not all gum bleeding points to disease; sometimes your technique or appliances are to blame. Brushing too hard or using a firm brush can irritate the gum edge. Starting or restarting flossing often causes short‑lived bleeding as gums adapt. Orthodontic braces and ill‑fitting dentures can rub the tissues and make plaque harder to remove, so gums swell and bleed more easily. If you correct these triggers but bleeding continues beyond two weeks, book a dental check.

• Lighten your technique: use a soft‑bristled brush and gentle strokes.

• Keep flossing daily: be gentle; bleeding should ease within days.

• With braces: clean around brackets with interdental brushes; use wax on rubbing wires.

• With dentures: book a fit check if you get sore spots or bleeding.

Medical conditions and medicines that can make gums bleed

Beyond plaque, a number of health conditions and drugs can tip the balance and make gums bleed more easily. They do this by inflaming the gum tissue, impairing healing, or reducing your blood’s ability to clot. If you notice spontaneous bleeding (not just when brushing) or bleeding that lasts longer than two weeks, speak to your dentist or GP.

• Diabetes: higher risk of gum inflammation and slower healing, so bleeding is more likely.

• Hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause): gums become more reactive; pregnancy gingivitis is common.

• Vitamin deficiencies (C and K): vitamin C affects tissue repair; vitamin K affects clotting. Severe C deficiency (scurvy) causes bleeding gums.

• Blood‑thinning medicines: anticoagulants and antiplatelets can increase bleeding. Do not stop these without medical advice.

• Bleeding and blood disorders: thrombocytopenia, haemophilia and von Willebrand disease reduce normal clotting.

• Blood cancers and immune conditions: leukaemia, HIV/AIDS and oral herpes can present with inflamed, bleeding gums.

• Pernicious anaemia: can be associated with gum bleeding and soreness.

• Stress: may worsen inflammation and gum problems.

If a medical cause is suspected, treating the underlying issue alongside professional gum care usually reduces bleeding.

Symptoms to watch for (and what they can indicate)

Bleeding is the headline sign, but the company it keeps tells you more. Pay attention to how often it happens and what else you notice around your gums and teeth — these clues help distinguish early gingivitis from periodontitis or a non‑dental cause. Use the checklist below to spot patterns worth acting on.

• Bleeding when brushing/flossing or biting firm foods: typical of plaque‑related gingivitis.

• Red, swollen, tender gums: inflammation from gingivitis; can be heightened by hormone changes.

• Persistent bad breath or bad taste: often linked to ongoing gum disease.

• Receding gums, longer‑looking or wobbly teeth: warning signs of periodontitis and bone loss.

• Spontaneous bleeding or bleeding beyond two weeks: consider medical causes or advanced disease.

• Sore spots with braces or dentures: friction or poor fit, and harder‑to‑clean plaque traps.

• Ulcers/red patches or a new lump in the mouth: seek urgent dental advice to rule out other conditions.

When to see a dentist or GP in the UK

Don’t ignore bleeding gums. Book a dental appointment if you notice bleeding when brushing, flossing or eating firm foods, especially if it’s new or keeps returning. If you’ve switched to a softer brush, cleaned between your teeth daily and the bleeding still hasn’t settled within about two weeks, get checked. Seek urgent care for red‑flag symptoms.

• See a dentist (routine): bleeding on brushing, sore/swollen gums, persistent bad breath, sore spots from braces or dentures.

• Urgent dental advice:very sore and swollen gums, teeth that feel loose or are falling out, ulcers/red patches, or a new lump.

• See your GP: spontaneous or frequent bleeding, you’re on blood thinners, or you suspect diabetes, vitamin C/K deficiency, anaemia, or a bleeding disorder.

• Out of hours: call your dentist; if you can’t get seen, call NHS 111 for guidance.

What to do right now to stop minor bleeding

If your bleeding gums are mild and started after brushing or flossing, a few simple steps can calm things down and help healing. Tackle plaque gently, soothe the area, and give your gums a few days to settle. If bleeding carries on for about two weeks, book a dental check.

• Rinse with warm saltwater: helps soothe irritated gums.

• Use a soft‑bristled brush: lighten your pressure and use gentle strokes.

• Clean between teeth daily: floss or use interdental brushes, gently.

• Use an antibacterial mouthwash: at a different time to brushing (don’t rinse straight after).

• Avoid smoking: it worsens gum problems and slows healing.

• Replace frayed brushes: worn bristles irritate gums and clean poorly.

• On blood thinners: don’t stop medication; speak to your GP/dentist if bleeding persists.

Professional treatments your dentist may recommend

After a thorough gum assessment (often with pocket measurements and X‑rays), your dentist’s goal is to remove plaque and tartar, control infection and reduce inflammation so bleeding stops and tissues can heal. The exact plan depends on whether you have gingivitis, periodontitis, or another trigger such as rubbing dentures.

• Professional clean and hygiene coaching: tailored brushing and interdental techniques to keep plaque down.

• Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning): removes deposits below the gumline to shrink pockets.

• Antibacterial therapy: antiseptic rinses and/or antibiotics when infection is present.

• Periodontal surgery (including osseous/laser): for persistent deep pockets or advanced disease.

• Adjusting appliances: smoothing, refitting or relining ill‑fitting dentures; advice for cleaning around braces.

• Extractions (if a tooth is unsalvageable): followed by a plan to restore function.

• Medical review/GP referral: if bleeding isn’t gum‑disease‑related or you’re on blood thinners.

Regular reviews help track healing and prevent relapse.

Prevention: daily habits for healthier gums

Strong gums are built day by day. Consistent plaque control, gentle technique and regular check‑ups stop the most common causes of bleeding gums — plaque, gingivitis and hard‑to‑clean areas — before they escalate.

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste: spit, don’t rinse, and use a soft brush with light pressure.

• Clean between teeth every day: floss or interdental brushes remove plaque your toothbrush can’t reach.

• Replace worn brushes: change every 1–3 months or sooner if bristles splay.

• Use mouthwash smartly: if advised, use an antibacterial rinse at a different time to brushing.

• Don’t smoke: smoking worsens gum problems and masks bleeding.

• Book regular dental and hygiene visits: more often if you’re pregnant or have diabetes.

• Mind appliances: clean carefully around braces; have dentures adjusted if they rub or trap plaque.

• Support with nutrition: include vitamin C and K sources; speak to your GP if you suspect a deficiency.

• Tell your dentist about medicines: especially blood thinners; never stop them without medical advice.

Special cases: pregnancy, children and people with diabetes

Some situations make gums extra sensitive to plaque and more likely to bleed. The aim is the same—gentle, consistent plaque control and timely check‑ups—but the stakes are higher, so don’t wait if symptoms persist or worsen. Here’s how to handle the most common special cases.

• Pregnancy: Hormonal shifts make gums more reactive; pregnancy gingivitis is common. Use a soft brush, clean between teeth daily, and book hygiene visits. NHS dental care is free while pregnant and for 12 months after birth.

• Children (and teens with braces): Bleeding usually means plaque. Supervise twice‑daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste; add floss/interdental brushes for brace wearers. See a dentist if bleeding lasts beyond two weeks or there’s swelling/ulcers.

• Diabetes: Higher risk of gum disease and slower healing. Keep blood sugars well‑controlled, tell your dentist you have diabetes, and attend more frequent dental and hygiene reviews if advised.

Common myths and quick answers

Bleeding gums attract plenty of half‑truths. Most cases are plaque‑related and improve with gentle, consistent cleaning and timely checks, but a few red flags need medical input. Use these quick clarifications to avoid delays in healing.

• “Stop flossing if gums bleed”: Keep cleaning gently; it usually eases in days.

• “Brush harder cleans better”: Use a soft brush and light pressure.

• “Mouthwash replaces flossing”: It doesn’t; you still need interdental cleaning.

• “Pregnancy bleeding is normal—ignore it”: Common, yes; still see your dentist.

Key takeaways

Bleeding gums are common but not normal. Most cases are due to plaque-driven gingivitis and improve with gentle, consistent cleaning plus a professional check. Watch for red flags like persistent bleeding, bad breath, loose teeth or mouth ulcers, and act promptly—especially if you’re pregnant, have diabetes or take blood thinners.

• Plaque is the main cause: manage it daily to prevent gingivitis.

• Use the two‑week rule: if bleeding persists, book a dental review.

• Technique matters: soft brush, light pressure, clean between teeth every day.

• Act on red flags: spontaneous bleeding, swelling, ulcers or loose teeth need assessment; modern periodontal care works.

Ready for reassurance and a clear plan? Book a friendly check-up with our team at Wigmore Smiles & Aesthetics.