Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
By Make Me Smile Dental Health Centre, Shastri Nagar Lane 2, Andheri West · Updated 1 October 2026
The short answer
Bleeding when you brush is most often caused by gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums from plaque building up along the gum line. Keep brushing gently twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, and get a professional cleaning. If bleeding continues, or your gums are receding or teeth feel loose, see a dentist, as it may be gum disease.
Bleeding gums are common, and that’s exactly why they get ignored. But they’re your gums telling you something.
The usual cause
Plaque that isn’t fully cleaned away along the gum line irritates the gums, making them red, puffy and quick to bleed. This is gingivitis, and it’s completely reversible.
Left alone, it can progress to periodontitis, where the bone holding the teeth is slowly lost. That isn’t reversible, but it can be stopped.
What to do at home
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush, angled towards the gum line
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser
- Don’t stop brushing where it bleeds
See a dentist if
- Bleeding continues after two weeks of good cleaning
- Your gums look like they’re pulling back from your teeth
- You have bad breath that won’t go away
- Any teeth feel loose or have started to shift
What we do
A check-up and professional cleaning removes hardened tartar you can’t brush away. If there are deeper pockets, we may recommend gum treatment below the gum line, followed by regular maintenance.
Book a check-up in Shastri Nagar, Andheri Lokhandwala. We’re open every day, including Sundays.
More questions
Should I stop brushing where my gums bleed?
No. Keep brushing gently with a soft brush. Bleeding usually improves within a week or two of good cleaning as the inflammation settles.
Can bleeding gums be a sign of something else?
Occasionally, yes. Pregnancy, some medicines, diabetes and certain blood conditions can make gums bleed more. Mention any health conditions to your dentist.