Spitting after you brush and seeing a swirl of pink in the sink is one of the most common things we hear about at Eglinton Dental Care. The good news: bleeding gums are very treatable, and in most cases you can turn them around at home within a couple of weeks. The important part is not ignoring them.
Why are my gums bleeding?
Healthy gums are firm, pale pink and don't bleed when you brush or floss. When gums bleed, it's almost always a sign of inflammation caused by plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — building up along the gumline. This early, reversible stage is called gingivitis.
The most common reasons gums start to bleed include:
- Plaque build-up from brushing that misses the gumline, or skipped flossing.
- Starting to floss again after a break — this usually settles within a week.
- Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy, which can make gums more reactive.
- Some medications, including blood thinners.
If gums are left inflamed for months or years, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis — a more serious gum disease that affects the bone supporting your teeth and is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
How to stop bleeding gums at home
For most people, a consistent daily routine is enough to settle the inflammation and stop the bleeding. Stick with these steps for two weeks:
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush, angling the bristles gently toward the gumline.
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes — this reaches the 40% of tooth surfaces a brush can't.
- Don't stop because it bleeds. It can feel counter-intuitive, but gentle, regular cleaning is what clears the bacteria causing the bleeding.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste and consider an antibacterial mouthwash for extra help.
When to see a dentist
Book an appointment if your gums are still bleeding after about two weeks of good home care, or if you notice any of the following:
- Gums that are swollen, tender or pulling away from your teeth
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste that won't shift
- Teeth that feel loose, or a change in how they fit together
- Bleeding that is heavy or happens on its own
These can be signs that the problem has moved beyond gingivitis and needs professional cleaning to remove hardened plaque (tartar) that can't be brushed away at home.
Prevention is the easy part
Once your gums are healthy, keeping them that way is simple: brush twice daily, clean between your teeth every day, and have a professional check-up and clean every six months. Regular visits let us catch inflammation early — long before it becomes a bigger, more expensive problem.
Worried about your gums, or overdue for a clean? Book a check-up with the team at Eglinton Dental Care and we'll get your smile back to healthy.