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Causes of Bleeding gums

Gum bleeding is usually caused by gingivitis which is inflammation of the gum margin around the necks of the teeth. Severe gingivitis is usually associated with more widespread tooth trouble, involving inflammation of the short fibres (the periodontium) that holds the teeth in place. This is called periodontal disease.

Gingivitis is caused by plaque, which is a layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth over time. Eating sugary food or drink and not cleaning your teeth often enough encourages the growth of plaque.

Gingivitis can usually be cleared up by good dental hygiene. Regular tooth brushing and flossing after meals will remove plaque and prevent gingivitis.

Pregnancy causes softening of the gums and can lead to increased bleeding, so extra dental care is required. Some people seem more prone to bleeding gums than others do.

There are other rare causes of bleeding gums such as vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), haemophilia, and leukaemia, but they are accompanied by other symptoms.

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