Bleeding gums: What should I do?

1
Symptom
Pink on the brush or in the sink, gums that look puffy or shiny, or bleeding when you floss. Sometimes there is a persistent bad taste.
2
Possible causes
Gingivitis from plaque along the gumline (most common) · Tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove · Pregnancy or hormonal change · Medicines that thin the blood · Early periodontitis if it has been going on for months
3
What you can do
Keep brushing twice a day with a soft brush — bleeding usually means clean more carefully, not less · Start daily interdental cleaning; expect a few days of extra bleeding, then improvement · Don't smoke; it hides bleeding and worsens gum disease
4
When to see a dentist
If bleeding is still there after two weeks of thorough cleaning, if gums are swollen and sore, or if teeth feel loose. A dentist can confirm gingivitis, clean tartar, and check that the bone around the teeth is still healthy.

References

Grounded in standard dental textbooks and professional guidance. These are general sources, not a substitute for an in-person exam.

Newman MG, Takei HH, Klokkevold PR, Carranza FA. Carranza's Clinical Periodontology.

This is general information written by a dentist, not personal medical advice. If you are in pain, swollen, or unsure, see a qualified dentist.