Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria at the gum line, inflames the gums. This is called gingivitis: the gums look red and swollen and bleed easily when you brush or floss.
Common causes
- Brushing irregularly or incorrectly
- Tartar (calculus) build-up
- Smoking
- Hormonal changes such as pregnancy
- Conditions such as diabetes
What to do at home
- Brush gently along the gum line with a soft brush
- Don't stop brushing because of the bleeding
- Floss every day
- Rinse with warm salt water
Why you shouldn't ignore it
Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the bone around the teeth is lost and teeth can become loose.
When to see a dentist
If bleeding lasts more than two weeks or your gums are receding, see a dentist for a cleaning and check-up.