Bleeding gums are a sign, not a normal state

A surprising number of people believe that some bleeding while brushing is just what happens. It is not. Bleeding is inflammation, and inflammation has a cause.

Where it comes from

Plaque left along the gum line irritates the gum. The gum responds with inflammation, which bleeds when disturbed. At this stage — gingivitis — the condition is entirely reversible with better cleaning and the removal of hardened deposits.

Why it is worth acting early

Left alone for long enough, the inflammation moves deeper and begins to involve the bone that holds the teeth. That bone does not grow back. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and it is largely painless until it is advanced.

What helps

• Cleaning between the teeth daily — brushing alone misses those surfaces
• Professional removal of calculus, which cannot be brushed off
• Reviews at an interval matched to your actual risk, not a default

If your gums bleed, book a cleaning appointment. It is one of the least dramatic things dentistry does, and one of the highest-value.

General information only. It is not a substitute for an examination — book an appointment for advice about your own teeth.