a drain with a blood tainted toothpaste going down it.
a drain with a blood tainted toothpaste going down it.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

What does it mean when you have bleeding gums?

If your gums bleed when you brush, you may have gum disease and it could lead to bad breath, then inflamed, receding gums and, eventually tooth loss.

Whether you see blood in the sink when you brush occasionally or every day, you should never ignore bleeding gums.

Tooth showing blood around the gum.

Reasons for bleeding gums

Bleeding gums tend to be caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly builds up around, on and in between your teeth. If plaque bacteria is not removed, it can irritate the gums, leading to redness, bleeding and inflammation.

However, there are also a number of other reasons for bleeding gums. These include over-brushing teeth or brushing too hard, a new toothbrush or flossing routine, and some medications.

How do I stop bleeding gums?

Regardless of what you think might be the cause of your bleeding gums, the best thing to do is speak to your dentist as soon as possible. They can investigate your symptoms and then advise on the best way to stop your bleeding gums.

There are also a number of simple steps you may wish to consider when it comes to treating bleeding gums – changes to your oral health routine that could help stop the problem becoming more serious. To work effectively, these steps should be followed every day, rather than just on occasions that you notice blood when you spit:

  1. Brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes with a toothpaste like parodontax Expert Gum Care Toothpaste. When used twice a day, parodontax Expert Gum Care Toothpaste is 4x more effective than a regular toothpaste* at removing the main cause of bleeding gums .
  2. Use a manual or electric toothbrush with soft bristles that are gentle on the gums and tough on plaque, paying particular attention to the gum line.
  3. Floss or use interdental brushes to remove plaque from hard to reach areas, like in between your teeth.
  4. Use a mouthwash such as parodontax Daily Gum Care Mouthwash for the treatment and prevention of gum disease.
  5. Visit your dentist regularly as they may spot problems with your gums before you have any symptoms. If you do experience your gums bleeding, report it promptly so your dentist can help you treat it before it becomes more serious.

*At removing plaque bacteria, the main cause of bleeding gums, with twice daily brushing