Dental health
Bleeding gums: a sign not to ignore
Healthy gums do not bleed - bleeding is the first alarm of inflammation that can threaten the teeth themselves.
The usual cause
Tartar and plaque building along the gum line cause inflammation that starts with bleeding when brushing and can progress to disease of the supporting tissues.
What to do
Professional scaling, then correct daily care with brush and floss. Bleeding usually settles within two weeks of consistent care.
When it becomes serious
Receding gums, loose teeth, or a persistent odour - signs of deeper disease that need specialist treatment.