Draft article — pending clinical review by Dr. Hemanth Katta, MDS before publishing.
It's Common, But Not Normal
Many people notice a little blood in the sink while brushing and assume it's just from brushing too hard. Occasional light bleeding can happen, but gums that bleed regularly are usually telling you something — most often, early gum inflammation (gingivitis).
What Usually Causes It
The most common cause is plaque buildup along the gumline, which irritates gum tissue and makes it bleed more easily. Other contributing factors can include inconsistent flossing, certain medications, hormonal changes, and in some cases, more advanced gum (periodontal) disease.
When It's Worth Seeing a Periodontist
If bleeding continues for more than a week despite good brushing and flossing, or if you also notice swelling, gum recession, persistent bad breath, or teeth that feel slightly loose, it's worth having a periodontist assess your gums rather than waiting it out.
What Treatment Might Look Like
Treatment depends on the cause and severity — it can range from a professional cleaning and improved home care, to deeper cleaning (scaling) for more established plaque and tartar below the gumline. A periodontist can tell you which applies to your situation after an examination.