What does it mean if your teeth bleed

Blood from the mouth usually comes from inflamed gums, trauma, or a dental problem rather than from the hard tooth itself.

Plaque irritates the gum edge and makes its small blood vessels bleed when touched. A sharp filling, aggressive brushing, gum disease, an ulcer, a tooth socket, or medicines that affect clotting can also explain blood noticed around a tooth.

Continue careful brushing with a soft brush and clean between the teeth, because avoiding the area allows plaque to remain. Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze for a mouth injury and arrange an examination if bleeding does not settle or keeps returning.

Book dental care for bleeding without brushing, persistent bleeding, swollen gums, loose teeth, pain, or a sore that does not heal. Seek urgent medical help for heavy bleeding that will not stop, dizziness, or bleeding with other unusual bruising.

Ask whether the blood is from the gum margin, a pocket, a tooth socket, or an ulcer and whether a periodontal examination or X-ray is needed. Tell the dentist about blood-thinning medicines and any recent dental procedure.