Why did my gum bleed when i brush my teeth

Plaque is a soft bacterial film that collects where the tooth meets the gingiva, or gum. If it remains there, the gingiva becomes swollen and more prone to bleeding when the toothbrush or floss touches it; hardened plaque, called calculus, can keep the inflammation going.

A forceful brushing technique, a hard-bristled brush, a cut, or a recently started flossing routine can irritate the tissue. Bleeding can also occur with periodontitis, smoking-related gum changes, poorly fitting dental work, some medicines, or a health condition that affects blood clotting, so the pattern and the rest of your symptoms matter.

Continue gentle twice-daily brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, angling the bristles toward the gumline and cleaning each tooth surface. Clean between the teeth once a day with floss or an interdental brush that fits the space, rather than stopping because the tissue bleeds.

Use light pressure and replace a frayed brush; do not scrub the gum margins or probe them with sharp objects. A dentist or hygienist can remove calculus with scaling, show you the correct technique, and check whether a filling, crown, denture, or orthodontic appliance is trapping plaque.

Arrange a dental examination if bleeding keeps returning, occurs without brushing, or comes with red or swollen gums, tenderness, persistent bad breath, pus, gum recession, or a loose tooth. The dentist may measure the gum pockets, check tooth surfaces and restorations, and take dental radiographs when bone loss or another problem is suspected.

Seek prompt care for bleeding that is difficult to stop, marked facial swelling, fever, severe pain, or trouble swallowing or breathing. Tell the dental team about pregnancy, new medicines, easy bruising, nosebleeds, or a diagnosed bleeding disorder because these details change the assessment.

Ask whether the bleeding is from gingivitis, periodontitis, local irritation, or a medicine or health issue, and ask which gum areas need attention. You can also ask whether you need professional scaling, gum-pocket measurements, radiographs, or an adjustment to a restoration or cleaning device.