Bleeding under gums
Bleeding beneath the gum margin usually reflects inflammation around plaque, but calculus, periodontal pockets, trauma, or infection can also contribute.
What usually causes bleeding beneath the gum margin?
Bleeding beneath the gum margin usually reflects inflammation around plaque, but calculus, periodontal pockets, trauma, or infection can also contribute.
The gingival sulcus is the narrow space where gum meets tooth and can become inflamed below the visible margin.
What is the gum sulcus and why can it bleed?
The gingival sulcus is the narrow space where gum meets tooth and can become inflamed below the visible margin.
Brush gently at the gumline and clean between teeth without snapping floss into tissue.
How can you clean gently around bleeding gums?
Brush gently at the gumline and clean between teeth without snapping floss into tissue.
Keep a record of symptoms and follow the treatment instructions given after examination.
When should bleeding beneath the gums be examined?
Seek care for persistent bleeding, pus, recession, loose teeth, or painful chewing.
Ask about pocket measurements, subgingival calculus, bone changes, and suitable interdental tools.
What should you ask about bleeding gum pockets?
Ask about pocket measurements, subgingival calculus, bone changes, and suitable interdental tools.
Ask what changes should prompt earlier follow-up and which home measures should be avoided.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main thing to remember?
Bleeding beneath the gum margin usually reflects inflammation around plaque, but calculus, periodontal pockets, trauma, or infection can also contribute.
When should I arrange an examination?
Seek care for persistent bleeding, pus, recession, loose teeth, or painful chewing.
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.