Why Are My Gums Bleeding? 10 Causes of Bleeding Gums
You’ve probably spit pink in the sink after brushing or flossing before and didn’t think twice about it. It’s normal, right? But eventually, gum bleeding starts to raise questions…why are my gums bleeding EVERY time I brush or floss? That is NOT normal. It’s usually a sign of gum disease.
We’ll cover all the causes of bleeding gums below, and more importantly, we’ll show you what you can do to stop bleeding gums for good. It’s usually as simple as getting a grip on plaque, which could mean upgrading to LIVFRESH Gum Protect+ Toothpaste. It reduces gum bleeding and inflammation up to 400% better than a leading ADA toothpaste! Learn more below.
Key Takeaways
- Most cases of bleeding gums can be traced back to plaque buildup from poor daily oral care.
- Gingivitis isn’t the only cause. Stress, smoking, and certain underlying health issues could be to blame.
- A soft-bristled toothbrush paired with the best toothpaste for bleeding gums could improve the issue in just 4 weeks.
- We recommend adding a mouthwash to reach into nooks and crannies where plaque likes to hide.
- Persistent bleeding is a good sign you’re due for a dental visit to rule out advanced gum disease.
Why Are My Gums Bleeding?
We’re going to look at the 10 most common bleeding gums causes. It could be any of these, and more likely, it’s a combination of them at play.
You Have Gingivitis
The simplest answer to what causes bleeding gums is gingivitis - early gum disease. This is the stage where you can still make changes to reverse the issue before it starts causing recession (permanent). Full-blown periodontal disease can even damage the bone supporting your teeth.1
The cause of bleeding gums here is plaque buildup along the gumline. This prompts your body’s inflammatory response, which causes bleeding as soon as you touch the area with your toothbrush bristles or floss.
You Just Started Flossing
Bleeding every single time you floss is not normal. However, it is normal to experience bleeding if you haven’t flossed in a long time and you just get back into it. The tissue is just reacting to undisturbed plaque. It should subside within a week or two.
You Use a Toothbrush With Hard Bristles
Not all toothbrushes are made equal. The ADA recommends soft bristles, warning that “firm or even medium-strength bristles may cause damage to your gums and enamel.”2
It’s natural to think medium or hard bristles scrape away more gunk, but that’s not necessarily true. In fact, aggressive brushing is one of the most common bleeding gums causes. Speaking of which…
You Brush or Floss Too Aggressively
Harder doesn’t mean cleaner. On the contrary, the ADA advises gentle pressure and short strokes angled at 45 degrees to the gumline.2 Take care to avoid cutting your gums when you floss. Actually work the floss between your tooth and gum tissue. Run it just inside the tooth.
You Have Plaque and/or Tartar Buildup
This goes back to gingivitis. Plaque is a never-ending battle, forming on teeth within hours of your last brushing. It’s easy to remove plaque with a good plaque-removal toothpaste that works at the molecular level (more on that in a moment).
What’s not easy is tartar removal. This is what happens when plaque is given 24-72 hours to harden. Only a dentist can remove tartar.
You Smoke or Vape
The CDC says smokers have “twice the risk for gum disease compared with a nonsmoker.”3 There are a few moving parts here. First, smoking/vaping dries out the mouth - and saliva is your oral cavity’s defense against bacteria and plaque. Second, smoking weakens your immune response to gum infections and causes slower healing.
You Have “Bite Disease”
Whether your dentist calls it bite disease or occlusal disease, this is simply the result of improper tooth alignment. It places uneven pressure on gums and subsequently causes recession and bleeding. Your dentist will diagnose it and help you come up with a plan.
You Have an Underlying Health Condition
I’ve ruled out all the oral hygiene issues…so why are my gums bleeding? In rare cases, it could be something like diabetes, blood clotting disorders, or even a deficiency of an important vitamin (C or K). Experts also say some of the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can make women more susceptible to gum sensitivity and bleeding.
You’re Stressed Out
A review in the Journal of Periodontology found that most studies showed “a positive relationship between stress/psychological factors and periodontal disease.”4 It makes sense. Cortisol weakens your immune system as a whole, so it should come as no surprise that you’re more vulnerable to gum irritation when you’re chronically stressed.
Your Diet and Hydration Are Poor
We touched on some of this already, but deficiencies in vitamin C and K can directly impact gum tissue resiliency. Similarly, dehydration can keep your mouth from defending itself against plaque and bacteria. Both of these common gum bleeding causes get overlooked.
Tips to Stop Bleeding Gums
Most of what causes bleeding gums is often fixable at home. Start by upgrading to a better toothpaste for receding gums and bleeding at LIVFRESH. We have two formulas backed by 40 clinical studies and thousands of dentist endorsements.
The fluoride-free formula uses Activated Edathamil, a patented ingredient that dissolves plaque on a molecular level and prevents it from reattaching. This toothpaste can remove 250% more plaque and improve gum health 190% better in just 4 weeks according to clinical trials.
The new Gum Protect+ formula goes further with Stannous Fluoride to reduce gum bleeding and inflammation 400% better. It also helps remineralize teeth at the same time.
Pair these toothpastes with the LIVFRESH plaque removal mouthwash to fill in the gaps in your brushing and flossing habits. On that note, you should also make sure you’re using the right toothbrush and actually practicing good technique.
You may need to make lifestyle adjustments as well. Stay hydrated, eat a better diet, and obviously, quit smoking/vaping. Our blog has more tips on how to stop bleeding gums.
Should You Talk to Your Dentist?
Most cases of gum bleeding can be addressed with a few at-home changes. But, it’s worth scheduling a visit with your dentist if things don’t get better within 4 weeks of following our advice above.
Your dentist will be able to diagnose the issues with a higher level of precision, including what stage of gum disease you’re dealing with. They can also remove the pesky tartar that keeps the bleeding cycle going.
But, the first thing you should do is upgrade your oral care regimen with LIVFRESH. Discover what a difference the right toothpaste and mouthwash can make in your gum health.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my gums bleeding out of nowhere?
Sudden bleeding is often traced back to plaque or tartar buildup.
How do I stop my gums from bleeding?
Improve your oral care habits. That might mean getting a more sophisticated toothpaste/mouthwash, a better toothbrush, and rethinking how much pressure you use.
Will a bleeding gum heal on its own?
Only if you make changes to your oral care routine. It’s not going to go away on its own in most cases.
When should I worry about gum bleeding?
When you’ve used LIVFRESH for more than four weeks and still see pink in the sink when you spit.
Related Resources
Parodontax vs Crest Gum Detoxify | Sensodyne vs Pronamel | TheraBreath vs Listerine
References
- Eke PI, et al. Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: 2009 and 2010. MMWR Suppl. 2013;62(3):129-135.
- American Dental Association. Toothbrushes. MouthHealthy.org.
- CDC. Smoking, Gum Disease, and Tooth Loss. Tips From Former Smokers.
- Peruzzo DC, et al. A systematic review of stress and psychological factors as possible risk factors for periodontal disease. J Periodontol. 2007;78(8):1491-1504.
