What to Do When You’re Having Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums can feel scary. You brush or floss and suddenly there’s pink in the sink. Is it serious? Should you panic? Most of the time, no—but it’s also not something to ignore. As a Langley dentist, we see this every week at iSmile Dental, and the good news is: with small changes and the right care, your gums can get healthy again.

In this post, I’ll explain the common reasons gums bleed, what to do at home right now, when to call a dentist near me, and how we treat it in our Langley clinic. Simple, straight talk—no complicated words.

Why do gums bleed?

There are a few usual suspects:

Gingivitis (early gum disease): Plaque sits on the gumline and makes the gums inflamed. They get puffy, red, and bleed more easily. This is the most common cause.
Brushing too hard: A stiff brush or heavy pressure can damage the delicate gum edge. (Your gums want gentle, not aggressive.)
Flossing “newbie effect”: If you just started flossing again after a long break, gums might bleed for a few days while inflammation calms down. Stick with it—this often improves fast.
Tartar buildup: Hardened plaque (calculus) traps bacteria and irritates the gums until a professional cleaning removes it.
Dry mouth or certain meds: Some medications reduce saliva or thin the blood, which can increase bleeding.
Hormones and pregnancy: Gums can be extra sensitive during pregnancy; this is pretty common and manageable.
Systemic issues: Uncontrolled diabetes, vitamin C deficiency, and smoking can all make gums bleed more.

If you’re not sure which one is affecting you, that’s normal. An exam is the best way to find out.

What to do right now (simple at-home steps)

You can start calming your gums today:

Brush gently, twice a day.
Use a soft toothbrush and angle it 45° to the gumline. Tiny circles, not back-and-forth scrubbing. Two minutes, easy pace. If your brush looks frayed after a month, you’re pressing too hard.
Floss once a day (yes, really).
Slide the floss in gently, then hug each tooth in a “C” shape and go up and down a few times. A bit of bleeding at first doesn’t mean stop—it usually means keep going, because inflammation is there and needs help.
Rinse with warm salt water.
Mix ½ teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water and swish for 30 seconds, 1–2 times daily for a few days. It’s soothing and can help reduce swelling. Don’t overdo it for weeks though.
Switch to alcohol-free mouthwash.
Great as an extra step, but it doesn’t replace brushing and flossing. If it stings like crazy, pick a gentler formula.
Stay hydrated, cut back on smoking and sweets.
Dry mouth and frequent sugar snacks can feed gum problems. Water is your friend, and your gums will thank you.
Check your tools.
A soft or extra-soft brush and fluoridated toothpaste are enough. Electric brushes are helpful if you tend to scrub.

If bleeding reduces over 7–10 days with these steps, you’re moving the right way. If it keeps going, it’s time to see a Langley dentist for a proper look.

When bleeding gums are not normal

Call a dentist near me—or us at iSmile Dental—if you notice:

Bleeding that happens even when you’re not brushing or flossing
Gums that look very red or purple, swollen, or shiny
Bad taste or breath that doesn’t go away
Gum recession or teeth feeling loose or drifting
New spaces between teeth or a change in your bite
Painful, ulcerated areas (like crater-like sores)

These signs point to more than mild gingivitis. It could be periodontitis (advanced gum disease), which needs professional treatment soon to protect your bone and teeth.

How we help at iSmile Dental (what to expect)

We keep it simple and gentle:

Friendly exam & gum charting
We’ll check your gums, measure pocket depths, and look for tartar, plaque, and recession. We listen first—what you’ve been feeling matters.
Comfortable cleaning
If plaque or tartar is the issue, a thorough cleaning removes the irritants. For early gum disease, this alone often turns bleeding around quickly.
Deep cleaning (scaling & root planing) if needed
For moderate to advanced gum disease, we clean below the gumline under local anesthesia. It sounds intense, but most patients say, “That was easier than I expected.” This allows gums to heal and reattach.
Personalized home plan
We’ll show you the exact brushing and flossing technique that works for your mouth. Sometimes we suggest interdental brushes or a water flosser. Small changes = big results.
Follow-ups that actually help
Short check-ins to make sure bleeding is down, pockets are improving, and you feel confident. We’re in Langley, so it’s easy to pop by if anything feels off.

Prevention that actually sticks

Healthy gums aren’t complicated, just consistent:

Two-minute brush, twice daily using a soft brush
Daily flossing (or interdental brush if spaces are larger)
Professional cleaning every 6 months (or every 3–4 months if your gums need extra TLC)
Snack smart: keep sugary snacks to once, not all day grazing
Mind the medical stuff: manage diabetes, ask your physician about meds that affect bleeding
Don’t skip bleeding: if it returns, that’s a little alarm. Don’t wait months hoping it will quit on its own

These kinds of habits are boring, I know. But they work better than any “miracle mouthwash”.

Quick FAQs about bleeding gums

Is it normal for gums to bleed when I start flossing?
A little, for a few days, yes—it means there’s inflammation. Keep flossing gently and it usually stops within a week or so. If it doesn’t, we should take a look.

Can pregnancy cause bleeding gums?
Yes. Hormonal changes make gums more reactive. Extra gentle hygiene and a professional cleaning usually keep things under control.

Will mouthwash fix it?
Mouthwash is a helpful extra. But if plaque is stuck to your teeth, mouthwash can’t scrape it off. Brushing + flossing + cleaning = the real fix.

How long until my gums stop bleeding?
With good home care and a cleaning, some people see improvement in just a few days. For deeper issues, it can take a few weeks. Everyone’s different.

Do I need antibiotics?
Usually not. Most bleeding gums improve with mechanical cleaning (at home and professional). Antibiotics are reserved for specific cases.

Your next step (and why local matters)

If you’ve seen “pink in the sink” more than a few times lately, let’s catch it early. Gums don’t heal well if plaque and tartar keep poking them every day. A quick visit with a Langley dentist can save you months of frustration and protect your smile long-term.

We’re iSmile Dental in Langley—your friendly dentist near me—and we’re happy to help, even if you just want a second opinion or a quick check to make sure nothing serious is going on.

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