How to stop bleeding when brushing teeth

To reduce bleeding during brushing, use a soft brush with gentle pressure and clean plaque from the gumline instead of avoiding the bleeding area.

Bleeding while brushing most often means the gingiva is inflamed where plaque collects along the gumline or between teeth. A new brush, vigorous scrubbing, floss injury, or a sharp restoration can also traumatize tissue.

Healthy gingiva fits closely around the tooth and does not routinely bleed from light contact. Repeated bleeding is a symptom to investigate, not a reason to stop oral hygiene.

Use small gentle strokes at the gumline, replace a frayed brush, clean between teeth with floss or an interdental brush, and book an examination if the pattern continues.

Use small gentle strokes at the gumline, replace a frayed brush, clean between teeth with floss or an interdental brush, and book an examination if the pattern continues.

Seek urgent help for bleeding that does not settle with firm gauze pressure, or when swelling, fever, severe pain, bruising, or weakness is present.

Seek urgent help for bleeding that does not settle with firm gauze pressure, or when swelling, fever, severe pain, bruising, or weakness is present.

Ask whether plaque, calculus, a restoration, brushing technique, medication, or a medical condition explains the bleeding and how the area should be cleaned.

Ask whether plaque, calculus, a restoration, brushing technique, medication, or a medical condition explains the bleeding and how the area should be cleaned.

Occasional bleeding after starting interdental cleaning can occur with inflamed gums, but continued bleeding needs dental assessment.