Are bleeding gums normal?

Lots of people see pink in the sink and assume it is just “sensitive gums.” In a healthy mouth, gums should not bleed from ordinary brushing or flossing. Bleeding means the gum is inflamed, almost always from plaque.

It is common because plaque builds up easily. It is not something to live with. Two weeks of thorough brushing and daily cleaning between teeth often stops the bleeding.

If it doesn't, or if you also have swollen gums, loose teeth, or persistent bad breath, it may have moved past simple gingivitis. That's a dental visit — early gum disease is far easier to reverse than later bone loss.