Bleeding gums? Here’s what your body is trying to tell you

You’re brushing your teeth before bed and notice pink in the sink. Or perhaps you’ve spotted blood on your floss, or your gums bled whilst eating an apple. It’s easy to dismiss bleeding gums as “normal” or “just one of those things” – but here’s the truth: healthy gums shouldn’t bleed.

Your gums are trying to tell you something important, and ignoring that message could lead to serious problems down the line. At Love Teeth, our experienced hygiene team across our six Surrey locations sees patients with bleeding gums every single day. The good news? In most cases, bleeding gums are completely reversible with the right care and attention.

Whether you’re in Sutton, Cheam, Worcester Park, New Malden, Chessington or Stonecot, understanding what’s causing your bleeding gums – and what to do about it – is the first step towards healthier teeth and gums.

The most common cause: gum disease (gingivitis)

If your gums are bleeding, the most likely culprit is gingivitis – the early stage of gum disease. Before you panic, understand that gingivitis is incredibly common, affecting around 50-90% of UK adults at some point in their lives. More importantly, it’s completely reversible when caught and treated early.

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial plaque buildup. Every day, a sticky film of bacteria called plaque forms on your teeth. If this plaque isn’t removed through proper brushing and flossing, it continues to accumulate, particularly along the gum line. The bacteria in this plaque produce toxins that irritate your gum tissue, causing inflammation that makes your gums red, swollen and prone to bleeding.

When your gums are healthy, they’re firm and resilient. But when they’re inflamed, they become engorged with blood as your immune system rushes to defend the area. The tissue becomes swollen and fragile. Even gentle pressure from your toothbrush or floss can cause these delicate, inflamed tissues to bleed.

The reassuring news? Gingivitis is completely reversible. With improved home care and professional cleaning from our hygienist, your gums can return to full health, usually within a few weeks.

When gingivitis becomes periodontitis

Whilst gingivitis is reversible, ignoring it allows the condition to progress into periodontitis – a more serious form of gum disease that can cause permanent damage. When gingivitis goes untreated, the bacterial infection spreads deeper beneath the gum line, affecting the periodontal ligament and even the bone supporting your teeth.

Your gums begin to pull away from your teeth, creating “pockets” where bacteria accumulate. These pockets become deeper over time, and the bacteria within them are increasingly difficult to remove. Eventually, this can lead to loose teeth or even tooth loss.

Warning signs include:

Persistent bleeding that doesn’t improve even with better brushing and flossing, receding gums that make your teeth appear longer, loose or shifting teeth, persistent bad breath or bad taste, pain or discomfort when chewing, and changes in how your teeth fit together.

The key difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is permanence. Gingivitis is reversible, but periodontitis causes permanent damage. This is why addressing bleeding gums promptly is so important.

Other reasons your gums might be bleeding

Whilst gum disease is the most common cause, other factors can contribute to bleeding gums. Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled brush can traumatise gum tissue. Starting a new flossing routine might cause temporary bleeding that should resolve within a week or two.

Pregnancy gingivitis affects up to 75% of pregnant women, as hormonal changes increase blood flow to the gums. Medications that thin your blood can make bleeding more noticeable. Vitamin deficiencies, particularly Vitamin C and K, can cause bleeding gums. Poorly fitting dentures or dental appliances can also irritate gums.

Underlying health conditions like diabetes, blood disorders, or autoimmune conditions can manifest as bleeding gums. If your bleeding gums are accompanied by other unusual symptoms, consult both your dentist and your GP.

The connection between gum disease and overall health

Your mouth isn’t separate from the rest of your body. Research shows that gum disease can have far-reaching implications for your general wellbeing. Multiple studies have found associations between periodontal disease and cardiovascular problems. The bacteria from infected gums can enter your bloodstream and contribute to arterial inflammation.

The relationship between gum disease and diabetes works both ways – diabetes makes you more susceptible to infections, whilst severe gum disease can make diabetes harder to control. Bacteria from your mouth can be breathed into your lungs, potentially causing respiratory infections. Pregnant women with periodontal disease may face higher risks of premature birth and low birth weight babies.

When to see a hygienist about bleeding gums

Don’t wait for your routine check-up if you experience bleeding that persists for more than a week despite improved brushing and flossing, bleeding accompanied by pain or swelling, visible recession where your gums are pulling away from your teeth, teeth that feel loose or are shifting position, persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve, or bleeding from only one specific area.

At your hygiene appointment, we’ll conduct a comprehensive gum health assessment, perform professional cleaning to remove plaque and calculus, use our advanced Prophyflex airflow cleaning technology, provide personalised oral hygiene advice, and create a treatment plan if needed.

Taking control at home

Professional dental care is crucial, but what you do at home every day matters even more. Use a soft-bristled brush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line, making small circular motions. Spend at least two minutes brushing, covering all surfaces of all teeth. Don’t scrub – let the bristles do the work.

Flossing is crucial because brushing alone cleans only about 60% of your tooth surfaces. The spaces between your teeth are unreachable by your toothbrush, yet plaque accumulates there readily. Use about 45cm of floss, gently sliding it between your teeth, curving it around each tooth in a C-shape.

Antibacterial mouthwash can be a useful addition to your routine, particularly if you have gingivitis. A diet high in sugar feeds the bacteria that cause gum disease, whilst Vitamin C is crucial for healthy gum tissue. Staying hydrated helps saliva production, which is your mouth’s natural defence against bacteria.

If you smoke, quitting should be a priority. Smoking weakens your immune system, reduces blood flow to your gums, and interferes with healing. Smokers are significantly more likely to develop periodontitis and lose teeth.

Prevention is always better than treatment

At Love Teeth, we’ve built our practice philosophy around prevention. Regular hygiene appointments are the cornerstone of this approach. No matter how diligently you brush and floss, some plaque inevitably accumulates in hard-to-reach areas. Over time, this plaque hardens into calculus, which cannot be removed by brushing.

Most patients benefit from hygiene appointments every six months. However, some need more frequent care – every three to four months if you have a history of gum disease, are diabetic, smoke, are pregnant, have braces, or are prone to heavy calculus buildup.

Catching problems early saves money, discomfort and teeth. A regular hygiene appointment costs far less than treating advanced gum disease. Gingivitis might need just improved home care and professional cleaning. Periodontitis might require multiple deep cleaning sessions. Advanced periodontitis might ultimately lead to tooth loss, requiring implants, bridges or dentures – treatments costing thousands of pounds.

Listen to what your gums are telling you

Bleeding gums aren’t something to dismiss or accept as normal. They’re your body’s warning system, alerting you to inflammation that needs attention. The good news is that gum disease is highly preventable and treatable, especially when caught early.

At Love Teeth, our experienced hygiene team is ready to help you achieve and maintain optimal gum health across all six of our Surrey locations. If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, call Love Teeth on 020 8337 0629 or book online at any of our six Surrey practices in Cheam, Sutton, Worcester Park, New Malden, Chessington or Stonecot.

As winners of the 2024 Patient Care Award from the Private Dentistry Awards, we’re committed to providing gentle, effective treatment that addresses your concerns. Your gums are trying to tell you something important. We’re here to help you listen, respond, and restore your oral health.