My teeth bleed when i brush them

Bleeding during brushing usually means the gum margin is inflamed, often because plaque has accumulated where the teeth and gums meet.

Teeth themselves do not bleed; the blood usually comes from gingiva irritated by plaque, tartar, vigorous brushing, or an interdental injury. Gum inflammation can make tissue bleed when a brush passes over it, even when the teeth do not hurt.

Plaque can harden into calculus that a toothbrush cannot remove, and deeper gum inflammation can create pockets around teeth. Less common contributors include a traumatic brush technique, a poorly fitting appliance, dry mouth, certain medicines, or a bleeding disorder.

Continue careful brushing with a soft-bristled brush and clean between the teeth without snapping floss into the gums. A dental cleaning can remove calculus, while an examination can measure gum pockets and identify cavities, infection, or another source of bleeding.

Arrange dental care if bleeding continues, is recurrent, or comes with swelling, bad breath, gum recession, pain, pus, or loose teeth. Seek urgent medical help for heavy bleeding that does not stop or bleeding elsewhere in the body.