How should I react to slight bleeding of the gums?
Occasional bleeding of the gums
Sometimes the gums bleed on exceptional occasions, and this is not a sign of gum disease. It can be due to brushing the teeth too aggressively, injuries or burns from food, or a mouth ulcer, for example.
If you cannot identify any reasons to explain the bleeding, remain vigilant. If it recurs, you should consult your dentist. Remember, bleeding gums should not be ignored!
Recurrent bleeding
Bleeding of the gums that recurs over a number of days, or even weeks, is very often related to gingivitis. Visually inspect your gums to look for redness, swelling or a shiny appearance. In any case, you should consult your dentist without delay. If your gums bleed repeatedly and you are taking medication, you should rapidly consult your general practitioner. It may be necessary to adjust your treatment.