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SYMPTOM · BLEEDING GUMS

My gums are bleeding

Why do my gums bleed when I brush?

The short answer

Why do my gums bleed when I brush?

Bleeding when you brush or floss is the earliest sign that the gums are inflamed. The cause is mostly plaque and tartar built up where the teeth meet the gums, and at the stage of early gum inflammation (gingivitis), it often improves within 1–2 weeks with scaling and correct brushing alone. Avoiding the area when brushing because it bleeds makes the inflammation progress further, so the right approach is to brush it carefully while getting it treated.

When your gums bleed, what are the common causes?

  1. 01

    Gingivitis (early gum inflammation) Glossary (Korean) →

    Bacteria in plaque irritate the gums so they swell, turn red and bleed easily. At this stage there is no bone damage yet.

  2. 02

    Tartar Glossary (Korean) →

    When plaque hardens into tartar, it cannot be removed with a toothbrush, works its way under the gums and keeps the inflammation going.

  3. 03

    Periodontitis Glossary (Korean) →

    The inflammation has progressed to the bone supporting the teeth. Along with bleeding, the gums recede and gaps open between the teeth, and as it progresses the teeth become loose.

  4. 04

    Hormonal changes

    During pregnancy, puberty and the menstrual cycle, the gums swell and bleed more readily with the same amount of plaque.

  5. 05

    Medications · systemic conditions

    Taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, diabetes and blood disorders increase bleeding or worsen gum inflammation. Please tell us about your medications at your visit.

  6. 06

    Poorly fitting prostheses · orthodontic appliances

    When plaque collects at the edge of a prosthesis or around an appliance, only that area bleeds again and again.

Come in right away, without putting it off, if

  • The gums bleed on their own, or enough to leave marks on your pillow
  • The gums have receded so the teeth look longer, or gaps have opened between the teeth
  • A tooth is loose, or you cannot bite with force
  • Pus is coming from the gums, or bad breath has become strong

Call us during opening hours 02-877-2867 · If swelling makes it hard to breathe or swallow, go to an emergency room first.

How does Joy Dental Clinic Bongcheon check it?

  1. 1

    A gum probing test records the gum pocket depth and any bleeding for each tooth. At 3 mm or less we consider gingivitis; if there are several sites of 4 mm or more, we suspect periodontitis.

  2. 2

    X-rays show the height of the bone supporting the teeth, to see whether there is bone damage.

  3. 3

    We also check the location and amount of tartar, the condition of prosthesis edges, and your brushing habits.

  4. 4

    For gingivitis, we plan scaling and brushing instruction; for periodontitis, we plan removal of tartar below the gum line (root planing) step by step.

How our equipment works is explained on the equipment page.

Which treatment does it lead to?

What can I do at home before my appointment?

  • Do not avoid the bleeding area; brush gently along the gum line at a 45-degree angle with a soft toothbrush. Bleeding decreasing after 1–2 weeks is the normal course of recovery.
  • Use floss or an interdental brush once a day. At first it bleeds, but it stops as the inflammation settles.
  • If bleeding continues for more than 2 weeks or the swelling gets worse, it is at a stage that will not improve without scaling.
  • Smoking reduces blood flow in the gums, hiding the bleeding while the inflammation progresses. This is why no bleeding is not a reason to feel reassured.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Q1. If my gums bleed, should I brush more gently?

    Do not scrub hard, but do not avoid the area either — brush it carefully. If the plaque causing the bleeding is not removed, the inflammation continues. Brushing the gum line with a soft toothbrush reduces bleeding within 1–2 weeks.

  2. Q2. I heard scaling makes the gums recede more. Is that true?

    Tartar makes the gums swell and props them up; after the tartar is removed they settle back to their original position, so scaling does not cut away the gums. What becomes visible is the area where bone had already receded from inflammation, and leaving the tartar lets the damage progress further.

  3. Q3. How often should I have scaling?

    Generally once every 6 months to 1 year is recommended, and people with a history of periodontitis or who build up tartar quickly have maintenance care every 3–4 months. For those aged 19 and over, once a year is covered by Korean national health insurance.

References

  1. American Dental Association, MouthHealthy. Gingivitis
  2. NIDCR (미국 국립치과두개안면연구소). Periodontal (Gum) Disease
  3. Caton JG, Armitage G, Berglundh T, et al. A new classification scheme for periodontal and peri-implant diseases and conditions – Introduction and key changes from the 1999 classification. Journal of Periodontology. 2018;89(S1).

※ This page is for general information and does not replace a diagnosis. Causes and treatment differ from person to person, and treatment can have side effects. Last reviewed 2026-09-11 · Director Jeong Jinwoo (board-certified prosthodontist and specialist in integrated dentistry)

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My teeth are sensitiveMy tooth throbs and hurtsIt hurts when I chewMy gums are swollenMy tooth is looseI have lost a tooth or have a gapMy denture is loose or uncomfortableMy front tooth is chipped or discoloredMy jaw clicks or I cannot open my mouth wellMy wisdom tooth hurts All symptom guides

RESERVATION

Start by finding the cause

The same symptom can have different causes. After diagnosis, we explain only the treatment that is needed. Contact us through Naver Booking or by phone.

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