Bloody gums in the morning

Blood on waking often comes from plaque-related gum inflammation, but repeated morning bleeding should be examined for gum disease or another cause.

Plaque left along the gingival margin can inflame the gums overnight, producing blood on the pillow, saliva, or toothbrush. Mouth breathing, dry mouth, trauma, medicines, and periodontal disease can also contribute.

Brush gently with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth, drink water if your mouth is dry, and inspect for a sore area or food trap. Do not scrub harder or avoid the bleeding area.

Arrange care if bleeding is frequent, spontaneous, heavy, or accompanied by swelling, bad breath, pus, loose teeth, fever, or unexplained bruising. Swelling that impairs breathing or swallowing is urgent.

Ask whether pocket measurements, a professional cleaning, radiographs, medicine review, or medical testing is needed to find the source.