Do Bleeding Gums When Brushing Mean Gum Disease?

Bleeding gums are most often a sign of gingivitis, which is early gum inflammation caused by plaque building up along the gum line. The good news is that gingivitis can usually be reversed with better cleaning. Brushing too hard, hormone changes and some medicines can also make gums bleed.

Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft brush, angle it gently toward the gum line, and clean between your teeth every day with floss or small interdental brushes. The bleeding often reduces within one to two weeks. See a dentist for a check and a professional cleaning, especially if the bleeding continues, your gums are pulling away from your teeth, you have bad breath that does not go away, or a tooth feels loose.