Why Are My Gums Bleeding When I Brush? Top 5 Causes

Seeing pink in the sink is a sign you shouldn't ignore. Learn the common causes of bleeding gums, from simple brushing habits to the early stages of gum disease.

Seeing Pink in the Sink? Why Your Gums Bleed When You Brush

You're going through your daily routine, brushing your teeth, and when you spit, you see a tinge of pink. It’s a common experience, but it’s not a normal one. Healthy gums should not bleed.

While it might seem like a minor issue, bleeding gums are one of the earliest and clearest warning signs your body can give you that something is wrong. It's a sign of inflammation, which is your body's response to bacteria or trauma. Understanding the cause is the first step toward getting your gums healthy again. This guide will cover the most common reasons why your gums might be bleeding.

The #1 Cause: Gingivitis

In the vast majority of cases, the reason for bleeding gums is gingivitis. This is the earliest, mildest, and most common form of gum disease.

What is it? Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria, along your gumline.
How does it cause bleeding? This plaque irritates the delicate gum tissue, causing it to become swollen, red, and tender. Inflamed gums are much more likely to bleed during brushing or flossing, even with gentle pressure.
The Good News: Gingivitis is completely reversible with a combination of improved at-home oral hygiene and a professional dental cleaning to remove the plaque and hardened tartar buildup.

Other Common Culprits & Lifestyle Factors

While gingivitis is the most frequent offender, there are several other reasons your gums might be bleeding.

You're Brushing Too Hard: Aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush doesn't clean your teeth better; it just damages your enamel and traumatizes your gums, causing them to bleed and recede.
You Just Started a New Flossing Routine: If you've recently committed to flossing (which is great!), you might notice some bleeding for the first week. This is often normal. It's your body clearing out the inflammation that was already there. Don't stop; it should subside as your gums improve in health.
Certain Medications: Some medications, particularly blood thinners (anticoagulants), can increase your tendency to bleed. It's always important to keep your dentist updated on any medications you are taking.
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones can make your gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation. This is very common during pregnancy (often called "pregnancy gingivitis") and at other life stages.

How to Stop Bleeding Gums: Your Action Plan

Stopping your gums from bleeding involves a two-pronged attack: diligent at-home care and essential professional help.

Your Role at Home:

Brush Gently, But Thoroughly: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions for two minutes, twice a day.
Floss Consistently: Floss at least once a day, making sure to curve the floss around each tooth in a "C" shape to clean beneath the gumline.
Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash: Rinsing with a therapeutic mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in your mouth and soothe irritated gums.

Our Role at the Dental Office:

The Professional Cleaning: This is the critical step. A dental hygienist is the only one who can safely remove tartar (hardened plaque), which is a major source of gum irritation. This is the "reset" your gums need to start healing.
A Comprehensive Exam: Your dentist will diagnose the exact cause of the bleeding, measure any pockets around your teeth, and ensure the issue hasn't progressed to a more serious stage of gum disease.

Don't Ignore This Important Warning Sign

Think of bleeding gums as a check engine light for your mouth. While the cause is often simple and reversible, ignoring it can allow a small problem like gingivitis to progress into periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease that can damage the bone supporting your teeth and lead to tooth loss.

The first step to getting healthy, non-bleeding gums is a professional evaluation and cleaning.

At Meadowbrook Dental Care, our team can accurately diagnose the cause of your bleeding gums, provide a gentle and thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, and give you the personalized advice you need to keep your gums healthy for life.

Don't wait for a small warning sign to become a big problem. Schedule your dental cleaning and check-up at our Long Island office today!

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