Bleeding gums: should you be worried?
Bleeding when you brush is not normal. It's your body telling you something.
Healthy gums don't bleed. If yours do when you brush or floss, it's a sign of gingivitis: inflammation caused by plaque bacteria sitting at the gumline.
The good news
Gingivitis is entirely reversible with improved cleaning technique. In most cases, 2–4 weeks of thorough twice-daily brushing and once-daily interdental cleaning will resolve it.
The bad news
If left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, where the inflammation attacks the bone supporting your teeth. This is not reversible.
When to see your dentist
If bleeding persists after 4 weeks of improved cleaning, you need a professional scale and polish. If one area consistently bleeds more than others, it may indicate a specific issue requiring examination.
Products that help
- Electric toothbrush to improve plaque removal
- Interdental brushes or floss used daily
- Chlorhexidine mouthwash (short-term adjunct to mechanical cleaning)
- Specialist gum health toothpaste (e.g. Parodontax)
