Blood around teeth

Plaque is a bacterial film that collects at the gum margin. If it is not removed, the gums can become red, swollen, tender, and prone to bleeding when brushed or flossed.

Bleeding can also follow an injury from hard brushing or a sharp food, and it may be influenced by dry mouth, tobacco use, hormonal changes, medicines, or a health condition affecting clotting.

Brush twice daily with a soft brush and clean between the teeth with floss or an interdental brush that fits the spaces. Do not stop gentle cleaning solely because the gum bleeds, unless a clinician tells you to pause because of an injury.

Arrange professional cleaning if tartar is present, because hardened calculus cannot be removed with a toothbrush. Tell the dental team about medicines, pregnancy, tobacco use, and bleeding elsewhere in the body.

Seek an examination when bleeding is recurrent, spontaneous, heavy, or accompanied by swelling, bad taste, loose teeth, pus, pain, or persistent mouth ulcers. Heavy bleeding that does not stop with direct pressure needs urgent medical assessment.

The clinician may measure gum pockets, check tooth mobility, inspect the bite, and take radiographs to assess supporting bone.

Ask whether the bleeding is from gingivitis, periodontitis, trauma, or another cause, what cleaning method fits your mouth, and whether you need periodontal measurements or follow-up.