Dr Gerdan S. Lamorell is an Aesthetic and Restorative Dentist attached to Apex Medical in Sea Cows Bay. Photo: Provided

In fact, this is one of the most frequent questions I hear during routine visits.

And the question usually sounds like this:

“Doc… is it normal that my gums bleed when I brush?”

Let’s talk about it — calmly and clearly — because the answer is important.

First — Bleeding Gums Are Common… But Not Normal

Let’s start by reassuring you of one important truth: you are not alone.

Many people notice a little pink in the sink when they brush or floss at some point in their lives.

But here is the clinical reality we must not ignore:

Bleeding gums may be common — but they are never truly “normal.”

One of the most frequent things I hear in practice is:

“Doc, it’s just a tiny bit of bleeding.”

Patients often assume that if the bleeding is minimal, occasional, or painless, it must be harmless. Unfortunately, the gums do not work that way.

Whether the bleeding is:

• A faint pink on the toothbrush
• A small spot when flossing
• Or heavier bleeding during cleaning

Bleeding is a sign of inflammation- and inflammation means gum disease is present somewhere.

This does not mean every case is severe.

It does mean the gums are reacting to bacterial buildup and need attention.

Clinically, gum disease can be:

• Localised — affecting a few areas
• Generalised — affecting most of the mouth

But in both situations, the biology is the same: the gums are inflamed.

The Part Many People Don’t Realise

Where patients often get misled is in assuming they are “disease-free” because:

• It doesn’t hurt
• It only bleeds sometimes
• Or the bleeding seems small

In reality, gum disease is often quiet in the early stages.

Denial is common — and very human — but early signs are exactly when intervention works best.

What Truly Matters: Reversible vs Irreversible

The most important distinction is not whether gum disease exists — it’s how advanced it is.

In the early stage (gingivitis), the inflammation is limited to the gum tissue. That means it’s usually reversible with a professional cleaning, improved daily brushing and flossing, and consistent home care.

But when gum disease progresses into periodontitis, the damage goes deeper. The body can begin to break down the bone and ligament that hold your teeth in place — and that loss is irreversible, even if symptoms feel mild or inconsistent.

This is why bleeding gums should never be brushed off (no pun intended).

Small signs, caught early, are often the easiest to fix — and the most important to act on before they become a bigger problem.

Why Brushing or Flossing Can Trigger Bleeding

There are two main reasons your gums may bleed:

1. Technique irritation (the milder cause)

Sometimes the issue is mechanical:
Brushing too hard

• Using a hard-bristle toothbrush
• Snapping floss aggressively between teeth
• Recently starting flossing after a long break

In these situations, the gums are being physically irritated, but the tissue itself may still be relatively healthy.

Bleeding usually improves within 7–10 days after correcting technique.

      2.    Gum inflammation (the more common cause)

More often, bleeding is due to gingivitis — early gum disease.

This happens when plaque bacteria sit along the gumline and trigger inflammation.

Inflamed gums become:

• Puffy
• Tender
• More likely to bleed with even gentle cleaning

Think of it this way:

Healthy gums are firm and resilient.

Inflamed gums are sensitive and reactive.

If plaque is not removed daily, the inflammation persists — and bleeding continues.

Technique vs Gum Disease — How Can You Tell?

More likely technique-related if:

• You recently started flossing
• You brush very aggressively
• Bleeding improves within 1–2 weeks of gentler care
• Gums otherwise look pink and firm

More likely gingivitis if:

• Bleeding happens frequently
• Gums look red or swollen
• You haven’t had a cleaning in 6+ months
• There is persistent bad breath
• Bleeding continues despite gentle technique

When in doubt, a professional exam gives the clearest answer.

What Actually Happens in Real Life

In everyday practice, when patients say:

“I think I brushed too hard…”

Very often we find:

• Early gingivitis already present
• Plaque accumulation at the margins
• Inflamed gum tissue that bleeds easily

So while technique may trigger the bleeding episode, it is frequently not the root cause.

Important: Why Stopping Brushing Makes Things Worse

One of the most understandable — but harmful — reactions I see is this:

A patient notices bleeding… and immediately backs off.

They brush more gently.
They avoid certain areas.
And very commonly — they stop flossing altogether.

Many genuinely believe:

“I think I’m cutting my gums with the floss.”

Let me gently reassure you:

Floss reveals the problem — it doesn’t cause it.

Dental floss is not a sharp blade. It is specifically designed to slide between teeth and disrupt plaque. When used properly, flossing does not slice gum tissue.

So why does bleeding happen?

Because the gums are already inflamed.

When plaque and bacteria sit between the teeth, the gum tissue becomes swollen, fragile, and prone to bleeding. When floss finally reaches that inflamed area, the gums may bleed — not because you injured them, but because inflammation was already present.

The Counterintuitive Truth

Ironically, the moment you notice bleeding is often the exact time flossing becomes more important — not less.

Stopping flossing allows:

• More plaque to accumulate
• More bacteria to thrive
• More inflammation to build
• And bleeding to worsen over time

It becomes a frustrating cycle:

Floss → bleeding → stop flossing → more plaque → more bleeding.

What Most Healthy Gums Do

When plaque is consistently removed:

• Inflammation reduces
• Gum tissue firms up
• Bleeding typically decreases within 7–14 days
• Flossing becomes more comfortable

This is why, in many early cases, consistent gentle flossing actually helps the gums heal.

When It’s Time to See the Dentist

Please don’t wait too long if you notice:

• Bleeding that persists beyond 2 weeks
• Swollen or very red gums
• Gum tenderness
• Bad breath that won’t improve
• Tartar buildup along the gumline
• It’s been more than 6 months since your last cleaning

Professional cleanings remove hardened deposits that brushing and flossing cannot remove at home.

Sometimes home care alone is simply not enough — and that’s okay.

What You Can Safely Adjust at Home

The goal is gentle but thorough cleaning.

✅ Use a soft or extra-soft toothbrush

Hard bristles are rarely necessary and often harmful.

✅ Ease up on pressure

Your toothbrush should massage, not scrub.
If bristles are splaying out quickly, you’re brushing too hard.

✅ Floss daily — but gently

• Slide the floss down the side of the tooth
• Hug the tooth in a C-shape
• Avoid snapping into the gums

If you haven’t flossed in a while, mild bleeding during the first week can occur as gums recover. Consistency is key.

✅ Stay consistent for 10–14 days

If inflammation is mild, you should see improvement within two weeks.

The Bottom Line

If you’re experiencing bleeding gums when you brush or floss:

✔️ Don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either
✔️ Don’t stop cleaning
✔️ Do adjust your technique
✔️ Do stay consistent
✔️ And do get checked if bleeding persists

Healthy gums are usually quiet — they don’t bleed easily.

If your gums bleed, it’s your body’s way of signalling that inflammation is present and needs attention.

The encouraging news?

When caught early, gum inflammation is very reversible.

A few small daily habits — done consistently — can make a powerful difference in your long-term oral health and help restore your gums to a healthy, resilient state.