My gums are bleeding. What should I do?

Bleeding gums are an important sign that something is wrong in your mouth. While the cause may sometimes be relatively minor, it can also indicate a condition that requires more advanced dental treatment.

One of the most common mistakes people make is avoiding brushing the area because it bleeds. However, this does not solve the problem. On the contrary, it allows more dental plaque to accumulate, causing the inflammation to worsen. Healthy gums should not bleed during brushing or interdental cleaning, even when they are touched.

So, why do gums bleed?

1. Poor oral hygiene

When regular brushing is neglected or oral hygiene routines are disrupted, gum bleeding can begin within just 2–3 weeks. Even if you brush your teeth every day, using the wrong brushing technique or skipping interdental cleaning with dental floss or interdental brushes can also lead to bleeding.

2. Tartar (calculus) buildup

The most common cause of bleeding gums is tartar buildup. Tartar continuously irritates the gums and promotes inflammation, resulting in bleeding. After a professional dental cleaning performed correctly, most patients notice a significant improvement in gum health within a few days, and the bleeding usually decreases or disappears.

3. Poorly fitting or improperly performed dental restorations

If zirconia crowns, porcelain veneers, dental implants, or fillings are not placed correctly, they may irritate the gums over time and cause bleeding. In such cases, the long-term solution is to correct or replace the restorations using proper techniques.

These are the most common causes of gum bleeding within the mouth. However, certain systemic diseases, medications, hormonal changes, and allergic reactions can also contribute to this condition. For this reason, we always recommend a comprehensive dental examination to determine the exact cause and provide the appropriate treatment.

Remember: Bleeding gums are not normal. If left untreated, the inflammation may spread beyond the gums and affect the bone supporting the teeth. This can lead to bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss.

The good news is that, with early intervention, proper oral hygiene, and the right treatment, maintaining healthy gums is possible in most cases.