Why Your Gums Bleed When You Brush (And When It’s Time To Call a Periodontist)

If you’ve ever noticed pink in the sink after brushing, you’re not alone. Bleeding gums are extremely common, but they’re not something to ignore. In many cases, they’re an early warning sign that your gums are inflamed and may be developing gum disease.

At Implant & Perio Center of Kansas, Dr. Marq J. Sams helps patients in Wichita, KS identify the cause of bleeding gums and treat gum disease before it becomes a bigger problem. Below, we’ll cover the most common reasons gums bleed during brushing, what you can do at home, and when it’s time to schedule a periodontal evaluation.

Is It Normal for Gums To Bleed When Brushing?

Occasional bleeding can happen if you brush too hard or floss for the first time in a while. But healthy gums typically do not bleed.

If your gums bleed more than once or twice, or if the bleeding continues for more than a week, it’s a sign that something needs attention, most commonly gingivitis or periodontitis.

Common Reasons Your Gums Bleed During Brushing

1) Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease)

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It happens when plaque builds up along the gumline and irritates the tissue. Your gums may become:

Red or puffy
Tender
More likely to bleed when brushing or flossing

The good news: gingivitis is often reversible with professional cleanings and consistent home care.

2) Periodontitis (Advanced Gum Disease)

When gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress into periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that affects the bone and tissues supporting your teeth.

Bleeding gums can be accompanied by:

Chronic bad breath
Gum recession (teeth look “longer”)
Loose teeth or shifting bite
Pus around the gumline
Deep pockets around teeth

Periodontitis is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss and it often requires periodontal disease treatment to stop it from getting worse.

3) Brushing Too Hard or Using the Wrong Toothbrush

Aggressive brushing can irritate the gums and cause bleeding, especially if you use a hard-bristled toothbrush.

Try switching to:

A soft-bristled toothbrush
Gentle, circular motions
An electric toothbrush with pressure control

If bleeding improves after changing your technique, irritation may have been the main issue. If it doesn’t, something else is likely going on.

4) Inconsistent Flossing

If you don’t floss regularly, your gums may bleed when you start again. This usually improves within a few days as inflammation decreases.

However, if flossing continues to cause bleeding after a week, it’s often a sign of gum disease and should be evaluated.

5) Plaque Buildup and Tartar (Calculus)

Even with good brushing habits, plaque can harden into tartar, especially near the gumline. Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed at home.

That tartar can keep your gums inflamed, leading to persistent bleeding that typically improves only after a professional cleaning and possibly deeper treatment.

6) Hormonal Changes

Hormonal shifts can increase gum sensitivity and bleeding, especially during:

Pregnancy
Menstruation
Menopause

Even if hormones are contributing, you still want to rule out gum disease, since pregnancy and hormonal changes can worsen existing inflammation.

7) Medications That Increase Bleeding

Certain medications may make your gums bleed more easily, including:

Blood thinners
Aspirin
Some heart medications

This doesn’t mean you should stop medications, but it does mean persistent bleeding should be evaluated to check for gum inflammation or infection.

8) Vitamin Deficiencies or Medical Conditions

Less commonly, bleeding gums may be related to a vitamin deficiency (like vitamin C) or systemic conditions such as diabetes or blood disorders.

If bleeding is heavy, sudden, or paired with other symptoms (easy bruising, fatigue), you should speak with your physician, too.

What To Do at Home If Your Gums Bleed

If your gums are bleeding, these steps can help reduce irritation and inflammation:

Brush gently twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Floss daily (gently)
Use a dentist-recommended antibacterial mouth rinse
Stay current on dental cleanings
Avoid tobacco (a major risk factor for gum disease)
Don’t skip brushing because of bleeding (this can make it worse)

If bleeding improves quickly and doesn’t return, it may have been mild irritation. If it persists, it’s time to get it checked.

When To Call a Periodontist for Bleeding Gums

You should schedule an evaluation with a periodontist if you notice any of the following:

Bleeding that lasts longer than 7 to 10 days

Persistent bleeding usually points to gum inflammation or infection.

Bleeding along with gum swelling, tenderness, or redness

These are classic signs of gingivitis or early periodontitis.

Gum recession or teeth looking longer

Receding gums can expose root surfaces and increase tooth sensitivity and risk of tooth loss.

Bad breath that doesn’t go away

Chronic bad breath can signal bacteria below the gumline.

Loose teeth or changes in how your bite feels

This can indicate bone loss from periodontitis.

Pus, gum boils, or pain around the gums

These are signs of infection and should be evaluated promptly.

You’ve been told you have deep gum pockets

Periodontal pockets often require specialty care like scaling and root planing or periodontal maintenance.

How a Periodontist Treats Bleeding Gums

Dr. Sams will evaluate your gums, check pocket depths, and determine whether gum disease is present. Treatment may include:

Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline
Periodontal maintenance cleanings to keep gum disease under control
Gum infection therapies to reduce bacteria
Gum grafting if recession is advanced
Regenerative therapy when bone support has been affected

The earlier you address bleeding gums, the easier and more conservative treatment can be.

Bleeding Gums Are Your Body’s Warning Sign

Bleeding gums are rarely “just normal.” They’re often the earliest symptom of gum disease, and gum disease can progress quietly without pain until it causes lasting damage.

If you’re noticing bleeding during brushing or flossing, the best next step is a professional evaluation, especially if symptoms are persistent.

Schedule a Periodontal Evaluation in Wichita, KS

If your gums bleed when you brush, Dr. Sams and the team at Implant & Perio Center of Kansas are here to help. With locations in West Wichita and East Wichita, we make it easy to get expert periodontal care close to home.

(316) 683-2525