Bloody gum around one tooth
Bleeding around one tooth often comes from local plaque, tartar, trapped food, or a gum pocket, but the tooth and bone need checking.
What is the direct answer?
Bleeding around one tooth often comes from local plaque, tartar, trapped food, or a gum pocket, but the tooth and bone need checking.
What does this question mean?
Bleeding confined to one tooth usually indicates a local problem. Plaque, tartar, food impaction, a rough filling edge, a deep pocket, or an erupting tooth can irritate that site.
What can you do next?
Brush gently twice daily and clean between the neighbouring teeth with floss or a suitable interdental brush. Do not force a tool into the gum.
When should you seek dental care?
Book an examination if bleeding recurs, the gum swells, the tooth hurts, food catches, or there is bad taste or discharge. Facial swelling or fever requires urgent care.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether bleeding comes from the gum margin, a pocket, the tooth, or a restoration, and whether an x-ray is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Should I avoid flossing there?
Continue gentle cleaning unless told otherwise.
Can one bleeding gum be a cavity?
The gum bleeds, but decay or a filling may contribute.