Why Gums Bleed
Healthy gums do not bleed when you brush or floss. Bleeding is a sign of inflammation, and inflammation is caused by one thing: bacterial plaque that hasn't been removed.
Common contributing factors:
- Inadequate brushing or flossing
- Plaque buildup between professional cleanings
- Smoking or vaping
- Pregnancy hormones
- Diabetes
- Certain medications (blood thinners, some blood pressure medications)
- Vitamin C or K deficiency
- Stress
- Teeth grinding
The Stages of Gum Disease
1. Gingivitis — bleeding when brushing or flossing, red/swollen gums. Fully reversible.
2. Early periodontitis — gum pockets forming, slight recession, persistent bad breath. Treatable with deep cleaning.
3. Moderate periodontitis — more recession, bone loss, possible tooth mobility. Requires ongoing periodontal therapy.
4. Advanced periodontitis — significant bone loss, loose or shifting teeth, possible tooth loss. May require surgery.
The gap between Stage 1 and Stage 4 is years of unaddressed bleeding. Treating early is dramatically simpler and cheaper.
How We Treat Bleeding and Receding Gums
Professional cleaning (prophylaxis). For early gingivitis, a thorough cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gumline. Combined with improved home care, gums typically return to healthy in 2–4 weeks.
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). For early to moderate periodontitis, we remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces so gums can reattach. Usually done over 1–2 visits.
Antimicrobial therapy. Prescription rinses or localized antibiotics for persistent infection.
Periodontal maintenance. After deep cleaning, cleanings every 3–4 months (instead of 6) to keep the disease under control.
Gum grafting (for recession). If recession has exposed roots, a graft can cover them, reducing sensitivity and improving aesthetics.
Laser therapy. For select cases, laser treatment reduces bacteria and helps tissue heal.
Signs You Should Make an Appointment
- Gums bleed when brushing or flossing
- Gums look red, swollen, or puffy
- Teeth appear longer than before (gum recession)
- Bad breath that won't go away
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Teeth feel loose or shifting
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Pain when chewing
Home Care That Actually Works
- Brush for 2 full minutes, twice daily. Focus on the gumline.
- Floss daily — most gum disease starts between teeth.
- Use a soft-bristled brush — hard bristles worsen recession.
- Consider an electric toothbrush — consistently removes more plaque.
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash if recommended.
- Quit smoking — the single biggest modifiable risk factor.
- Schedule cleanings every 6 months (every 3–4 if you've had periodontal disease).