Bleeding gums are almost always a sign of inflammation at the gum line, caused by plaque. Healthy gums do not bleed, not even when you brush. Keep brushing the areas that bleed, gently and thoroughly, and clean between your teeth every day. If the bleeding does not stop within one to two weeks, the gums should be checked.
Updated: 14 November 2026
- Healthy gums do not bleed.
- Keep brushing, especially where it bleeds.
- No improvement after two weeks: have it checked.
The most common causes
- Plaque at the gum line. By far the most common cause. The bacteria in the plaque inflame the gums. What helps is described in “Gum inflammation (gingivitis): what helps?”.
- Just started with interdental brushes or floss. In the first days it often bleeds. Stick with it, the bleeding usually eases within a week.
- Hormones. During pregnancy, the gums react more sensitively to plaque. Read more in “Bleeding gums in pregnancy: what helps?”.
- Too much pressure or a hard brush. This injures the gums. A soft brush and small movements are enough.
- Periodontitis. If an inflammation lasts a long time, it can spread to the tissues that hold the tooth. Read more in “Gum pockets: what do the measurements mean?”.
- Blood-thinning medication. The bleeding is more noticeable. The cause is usually still an inflammation.
- Rarely: a general illness, such as diabetes or a blood clotting disorder. If your gums bleed heavily and for no clear reason, it is also worth talking to your GP.
“It bleeds, so I'd rather leave that spot alone.”
Understandable, but the opposite helps. If you spare the spot, the plaque stays, and so does the inflammation. Keep brushing there, gently and thoroughly. After a few days it usually bleeds less.
When it does not bleed, even though it is inflamed
Smoking can mask bleeding, even when there is inflammation. If you smoke, it is better to rely on regular check-ups than on this sign.
When you should come to the practice
- The bleeding lasts longer than two weeks despite good care.
- The gums recede, or the teeth look longer.
- A tooth feels loose, or pus comes out.
- Your last dental hygiene appointment was more than a year ago.
During dental hygiene with a check-up, we measure the gums and clean where the brush cannot reach.
Book dental hygiene with check-upWhat happens in the practice
We measure the gum pockets and see how deep the inflammation reaches. You see on screen what we see. If it is gingivitis, a dental hygiene appointment and guidance for care at home are usually enough.
