Why Are My Gums Bleeding?

It’s common to see blood in the basin when you spit into it after brushing/flossing. But bleeding gums - even during a dentist cleaning - are not normal and not healthy. They’re a sign - possibly along with other often-missed red alerts like puffy, red, irritated gums - of gingivitis (early gum disease). Millions of adults have some form of gum disease, yet only a very small fraction realise it because gum pain is not an early symptom.

The good news: early-stage gum disease is reversible, through improved daily mouth care and more frequent visits to the hygienist or dentist for plaque and tartar removal with professional tools. But left ignored, blood in the basin can progress to serious gum disease (periodontitis) that attacks gums and is the number-one reason teeth fall out.