By Dr. Keerthi Sudireddy
Spitting pink in the sink is common — but bleeding gums are a warning sign, not something to ignore. The good news: in early stages it is very treatable, and often reversible.
Bleeding gums are usually the first sign of gingivitis, caused by plaque build-up along the gumline. It is reversible with a professional cleaning and good home care. If ignored it can progress to periodontitis, which damages the bone holding your teeth — so persistent bleeding deserves a dental visit.
Common causes
- Plaque and tartar along the gumline (the main cause).
- Brushing too hard or skipping flossing.
- Hormonal changes, certain medications, or vitamin deficiencies.
- Smoking, which both worsens gum disease and hides the bleeding.
How to stop bleeding gums
- Brush gently twice a day with a soft brush; clean between teeth daily.
- Get a professional scaling to remove hardened tartar your brush cannot.
- Rinse with warm salt water to soothe inflamed gums.
- Quit smoking and eat a balanced, vitamin-rich diet.
When to worry
See a dentist if bleeding is persistent, your gums are receding, you have bad breath that will not clear, or teeth feel loose. These can signal advancing gum disease that needs professional treatment to protect the bone.
Prevention is simple
A six-monthly cleaning and check-up at The Tooth Studio keeps gums healthy and catches problems early — far easier than treating them later.
Have a question about your smile?
Book a consultation with Dr. Keerthi Sudireddy, or get free guidance on WhatsApp.