Bleeding Gums? What They Mean and How to Stop Them
Bleeding gums are one of the most common and most reversible dental problems. Here is what it means, what to do now, and how we treat it. Two Overland Park and Olathe offices, open seven days a week.
What Should I Do If My Gums Bleed?
Bleeding gums are rarely a crisis, and a few simple steps often calm them down at home.
- 1
Keep Brushing
Keep brushing gently twice a day. Stopping lets plaque build up and makes the bleeding worse.
- 2
Floss Daily
Floss once a day. Gums often bleed at first but settle within a week or two of regular flossing.
- 3
Rinse with Salt Water
Rinse with warm salt water to soothe the gums and lower the bacteria that cause inflammation.
- 4
Book a Cleaning
Book a professional cleaning to remove the hardened plaque that brushing alone cannot reach.
Occasional bleeding often improves with better daily care, but gums that bleed often, heavily, or for no clear reason need to see a dentist.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Gums usually bleed when plaque builds up along the gumline and inflames the tissue. Here are the most common causes.
Plaque and Gingivitis
Plaque along the gumline is the most common cause, leading to early gum inflammation.
Brushing Too Hard
A stiff brush or aggressive brushing can irritate and injure delicate gum tissue.
A New Flossing Routine
Gums often bleed for a week or two when you first start flossing, then settle down.
Hormones or Medications
Pregnancy, hormonal changes, and certain medications can make gums bleed more easily.
Sources: American Dental Association, NHS
Can You Reverse Bleeding Gums?
In most early cases, yes. Gingivitis, the mild gum inflammation behind most bleeding, is reversible with good daily brushing and flossing plus regular professional cleanings. Left alone it can progress to gum disease, so the sooner we see it, the easier it is to turn around.
Are Bleeding Gums an Emergency?
Most bleeding gums are not an emergency, but some signs mean you should be seen soon. Here is how to tell the difference.
Mild Bleeding
- →Bleeding only when you brush or floss
- →Slightly red or puffy gums
- →No pain and no loose teeth
- →Improves within a week or two of better care
Persistent Bleeding
- →Bleeding that does not stop or happens on its own
- →Swollen or painful gums, or pus
- →Loose teeth or gums pulling away from the teeth
- →Bad breath or a bad taste that will not go away
If you are not sure how serious the bleeding is, call us and we will help you decide over the phone. We can usually see you quickly.
How Do Dentists Treat Bleeding Gums?
Treatment depends on the cause and how far it has progressed. We always start with the least invasive option that works.
How We Treat Bleeding Gums in Overland Park & Olathe
We remove the plaque and tartar that cause bleeding, comfortably and completely.
Gum problems do not wait for Monday, and neither do we, including weekends.
We spot gum disease in its reversible stage, before it can threaten your teeth.
Overland Park and Olathe, so relief is always close to home.
Over 35,000 patients served, award winning, and among the highest rated dentists across Johnson County.
OUR LOCATIONS
Find a Location Closest to You
OVERLAND PARK · 135TH & QUIVIRA
Your South Overland Park Dentist
Our Overland Park office sits at 135th Street and Quivira, steps from Quivira Crossings and McKeever’s Price Chopper. We are the everyday dentist for families across south Overland Park, from Nottingham and St. Andrews to the homes around Bentwood Park, inside the Blue Valley School District. Open every day including Saturdays and Sundays.
More about our Overland Park office →OLATHE · 119TH & BLACK BOB
Your Olathe Dentist at Olathe Pointe
Our Olathe office is inside Olathe Pointe at 119th Street and Black Bob Road, anchored by Whole Foods and directly across from the Target at Olathe Station. The convenient choice for families near Black Bob Park, the Brougham Drive neighborhoods, and Black Bob Elementary in the Olathe School District. Open every day including Saturdays and Sundays.
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