Healthy Gums Do NOT Bleed
Healthy gums do not bleed during brushing. If bleeding occurs, it is a clear sign that something is wrong. When the gums are inflamed, even minimal stimulation—such as brushing your teeth, chewing, or biting into food—can cause bleeding. In addition to mechanical irritation, hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy, can also contribute to gum bleeding.
Many people ignore these warning signs, reducing the chance of preventing more serious oral health conditions. Bleeding gums are not caused only by poor oral hygiene; they can also be linked to a weakened immune system, unhealthy habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as genetic predisposition.
Gingivitis
Symptoms such as swollen gums that bleed, pain when touched, and changes in gum color (red or purplish) are signs of the early stage of gum disease known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by inadequate oral hygiene, plaque buildup, and tartar deposits on the teeth, which create an ideal surface for bacterial growth.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, bacteria spread deeper into the supporting tissues of the teeth and begin to affect the bone. At this stage, the disease progresses into its chronic form known as periodontitis.
Symptoms become more pronounced and are often accompanied by persistent bad breath. The gums begin to recede, the bone gradually breaks down, and the tooth loses the support that holds it in place. As a result, teeth may become loose and eventually fall out.
Periodontitis is not only an oral health issue—it has been linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, respiratory diseases, and poor diabetes control.
There are two main types of periodontitis:
- Chronic periodontitis – Most commonly affects adults but can also occur in younger individuals and children. It usually develops as a result of untreated gingivitis. Treatment is primarily mechanical and performed by a dentist.
- Aggressive periodontitis – Typically occurs in children and young adults. It progresses rapidly due to genetic predisposition and a weakened immune response. In addition to mechanical treatment, antibiotics are often required.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
The most important factor is proper oral hygiene—regular and correct tooth brushing. Dental plaque causes cavities on teeth and leads to gingivitis and periodontitis in the gums. These deposits must be removed mechanically to prevent bacterial colonization and inflammation.
It is essential to visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine check-ups and professional removal of tartar (mineralized plaque).
Oral hygiene is maintained using:
- Regular toothbrushes
- Interdental brushes (small brushes that fit between two teeth and clean areas that a regular toothbrush cannot reach)
- Dental floss (primarily used to remove food particles trapped between the teeth)
- Oral irrigator (water flosser) – a device that uses a targeted stream of water to effectively clean between teeth and along the gum line, helping maintain oral hygiene in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush
- Mouthwashes – liquids with antibacterial properties that help prevent plaque buildup and freshen breath.
If gingivitis or periodontitis is present, it is essential to consult a dentist as soon as possible and begin treatment. The dentist will first remove visible tartar and then use specialized instruments to clean subgingival (hidden) tartar deposits located below the gum line on the tooth roots.
The goal of gingivitis treatment is complete elimination of the condition, while the goal of periodontitis treatment is to reduce the causative factors and keep the disease under control—as periodontitis is a chronic, irreversible condition.
