Occasional minor gum bleeding might be nothing to worry about — particularly if you've recently changed your brushing routine or started flossing again after a break. But bleeding that's consistent, widespread, or happens every time you brush is a signal that something needs attention.
Most Common Cause: Chronic Gum Disease
If your gums bleed every time you brush without fail, the most likely cause is gingivitis or early periodontitis. The bleeding happens because the gum tissue is chronically inflamed — swollen, red, and packed with immune cells ready to fight the bacterial plaque that isn't being adequately removed. This is the body's inflammatory response playing out in your mouth. It's not normal, and it's not something you should accept as just how your gums are.
Medication Side Effects
Several common medications cause gum overgrowth or increased bleeding tendency. Blood thinners (anticoagulants) make bleeding more likely once gum tissue is inflamed. Calcium channel blockers (commonly prescribed for high blood pressure) can cause significant gum overgrowth. Anti-epileptic drugs like phenytoin are also well known for causing gum hyperplasia. Always tell your dentist about any medications you're taking.
Systemic Causes
In rare cases, widespread gum bleeding points to something more systemic: vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), vitamin K deficiency, leukaemia, or other blood disorders. This is why persistent, heavy bleeding gums that don't respond to better oral hygiene should be evaluated by a dentist and in some cases your GP.
What to Do
Start with a dental assessment. We can measure the depth of gum pockets around your teeth, assess the extent of the inflammation, and determine whether it's local (gum disease) or whether further investigation is needed. For most patients, improved oral hygiene and professional cleaning resolves the bleeding within a few weeks.
If any of this sounds familiar, book an assessment with us. The sooner we take a look, the simpler the treatment is likely to be. Call the practice on 01323 723757 or book online at www.meadsdental.com.