Bleeding around crown

Bleeding beside a dental crown usually reflects inflamed gum tissue, but a loose edge, decay or infection also needs examination.

Plaque can collect where the crown meets the gum and inflame the gingival margin. Bleeding may also follow forceful flossing, a crown contour that traps plaque, decay at the margin, a cracked tooth or inflammation around the root.

Brush gently with fluoride toothpaste and clean between the crowned tooth and its neighbours without snapping the floss into the gum. Do not pick at the crown or place aspirin on the bleeding tissue, and note when bleeding occurs.

Book an examination when bleeding recurs, the gum is swollen or tender, the crown feels loose, chewing hurts, food catches at the edge or there is a bad taste. Seek urgent care for facial swelling, fever, uncontrolled bleeding or trouble breathing or swallowing.

Ask whether the bleeding is from the gum or the tooth, whether the crown margin seals correctly, whether decay or root inflammation is present, and whether cleaning, crown adjustment, root treatment or replacement is needed.