Whether it’s between meals, during a meal or whilst brushing your teeth – if you notice your gums are bleeding, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. After all, healthy gums do not bleed. If your gums bleed often, or are red or swollen, these may be early signs of gum inflammation.
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Causes : Common causes of bleeding gums
Have you noticed blood on your toothbrush or in the sink after brushing your teeth? If so, this is an early sign of a mild form of gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis. It is almost always caused by bacteria:
We have over a billion of them in our mouths, and around 1,000 species are known to be able to colonise the oral cavity.¹ When healthy, all these microorganisms are kept in balance.
There are many reasons why this balance is disrupted, allowing a small number of bacteria to cause gum inflammation, which often leads to bleeding gums.
Treatment : When should you see a dentist if your gums are bleeding?
If your gums bleed occasionally, there is no need to see a dentist straight away. Start by improving your brushing technique and being gentle on your gums. In many cases, a professional dental clean can help resolve the issue.
You should definitely see a dentist if:
- Bleeding lasts longer than 2–3 days
- Heavy bleeding occurs
- There is severe gum pain
- Persistent bad breath
- A fever develops
- A yellow coating is visible on the gums
- Fatigue associated with bleeding gums
- Visible changes in the gums occur within a short period of time
Important information for the dentist:
Please tell your dentist if you have any pre-existing conditions, are taking any new medication, are pregnant, smoke or are under stress. These factors can contribute to bleeding gums and are important for the diagnosis.
Dental practice: Treatment of bleeding gums at the dentist
- During the initial consultation with a dentist, patients are often asked whether they have diabetes mellitus or any other conditions such as bleeding disorders, heart disease or osteoporosis. These are the first indicators of the severity of gum bleeding.
- It is also important for the doctor to know which medicines you are currently taking. Questions about the severity of the bleeding and how long the symptoms have been present are also important for an initial assessment and for choosing the right treatment.
- Could you be experiencing high and ongoing stress levels? Are there also any unhealthy eating habits that could encourage bleeding gums? Smokers also have an increased risk of bleeding gums.
- The dentist may ask female patients about the timing of their last period, or whether they are pregnant.
- After assessing your lifestyle and any possible medical conditions, the healthcare professional will check your teeth for decay or looseness, as misaligned teeth or areas in the mouth that are difficult to clean can also lead to increased gum bleeding.
- Overall, a dental check-up involves assessing the health of the gums. Swelling and redness can usually be spotted at a glance.
- A probe is also used to measure whether the gums are already receding and how far the gap between the tooth and gum has deepened.
- If periodontitis is present, X-rays are also taken. These are used for long-term monitoring to keep track of any potential bone loss.
Tips : What can be done to stop bleeding gums?
There are various ways to prevent bleeding gums. These can generally help to prevent the problem:
- Regular brushing: It is best to brush your teeth twice a day to prevent plaque-causing bacteria from settling along the gum line, which can lead to inflammation. Specialised toothpastes for bleeding gums also help, such as Bioniq® Repair Toothpaste Plus Gum Protection, which contains the active ingredients lactoferrin and hyaluronic acid to support gum care and protect your gums from inflammation.
- Using a mouthwash: Using a mouthwash after brushing your teeth also helps to prevent bleeding gums.
- Cleaning between your teeth: You can clean between your teeth using dental floss or interdental brushes as part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Please note: For guidance on correct use, please speak to the dental hygiene team at the practice.
- Have your teeth professionally cleaned: As part of your regular check-ups at the dentist, plaque and hardened tartar should be removed by a professional cleaning at least twice a year. Removing plaque reduces the surface area available for bacteria to colonise. This helps to prevent inflammation and bleeding gums.
- Cleaning your tongue: By using a tongue scraper, you can remove bacteria from your tongue yourself, thereby also reducing the risk of gum inflammation.
- Eat less sugar: Excessive sugar consumption encourages the growth of bacteria in the mouth. In particular, small, sugary snacks eaten throughout the day stimulate the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay. To minimise the opportunity for this to happen during the day, either brush your teeth between meals or at least use sugar-free chewing gum to help keep your teeth clean.
- A healthy, balanced diet: reducing sugar and alcohol intake and ensuring the body gets enough protein and vitamin C are key to preventing bleeding gums.
Following these tips often leads to an improvement in gum health.
If your gums continue to bleed for a long time, bleed heavily or even hurt, it’s important to visit your dentist and not put it off under any circumstances.
Natural remedies : Home remedies for bleeding gums
Home remedies can help to relieve bleeding gums, but they are no substitute for a visit to the dentist if the problem persists.
Tried-and-tested home remedies:
- Sage tea: anti-inflammatory – rinse your mouth with it several times a day or apply it as a compress to the affected areas
- Chamomile tea: Soothes sore gums – use lukewarm for rinsing or place a tea bag directly on the affected area
If your symptoms persist or are severe, please consult your dentist.
Bioniq® : Products for inflamed gums
Bioniq® Repair Toothpaste Plus Gum Protection
Toothpaste containing 20% biomimetic enamel (hydroxyapatite/HAP) for daily oral care and healthy gums
- Improves gum health
- Suitable for periodontitis
- Smooth, strong, and healthy teeth
Knowledge : Other topics
Gum inflammation – what should you do?
Verified by Dr. Joachim Enax and Karoline Bauch
Almost every adult is affected by it at some point – often without realising it. Find out how gingivitis develops, how to recognise it and what you can do to prevent it with the right oral care.
Periodontitis – when bacteria attack the tooth socket
Verified by Dr. Joachim Enax and Karoline Bauch
What starts as gum inflammation can develop into serious gum disease. Find out how periodontitis develops, what treatment options are available, and how you can take specific steps to prevent the condition.
Sensitive teeth – causes and what really helps
Verified by Dr. Joachim Enax and Karoline Bauch
Hot coffee, cold ice cream, sour apples – and suddenly that sharp pain. Find out why teeth are sensitive, what causes it, and what you can do to specifically reduce this sensitivity.
Sources
- Meyer, F. & Enax, J. The oral cavity as an ecosystem. Biol. Unserer Zeit 48, 62–68 (2018).
- Jepsen, S.: New PAR classification, new PAR guidelines, new PAR policy. Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists, May 2021.
Dr. Joachim Enax
Senior Scientist Oral Care
Dr. Joachim Enax is an expert in biomimetic oral care and oral health. As a PhD chemist, he is an experienced scientist in the research and development of innovative active ingredients for oral care and in promoting dental health. He is the author of numerous scientific publications in the field of teeth and oral care.
Karoline Bauch
Corporate Communications Officer
Karoline Bauch is an expert in science communication specialising in the Oral Care sector and acts as the editorial contact for all matters relating to dentistry, oral health and prevention.