Possible causes
Common possible causes.
Plaque-related gum inflammation
Periodontal (gum) disease
Changes in brushing or interdental-cleaning habits
Local irritation around teeth or dental work
Some medicines or medical conditions that affect bleeding
Warning signs
Signs worth paying attention to.
Bleeding that happens regularly
Swollen, tender or receding gums
Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
Loose teeth or changes in the way teeth meet
Bleeding that is heavy or difficult to stop
When to seek care
When to see a dentist.
Book a dental assessment when bleeding is frequent, unexplained or accompanied by gum swelling or tenderness.
Tell the dentist about medicines and relevant medical conditions, especially if they affect bleeding or immunity.
Why assessment matters
Similar symptoms can have different causes.
The most appropriate next step depends on the cause of the symptom, your oral health and what is found during assessment.
The information on this page can help you understand the concern, but it should not be used to choose treatment without professional assessment.
Explore further
Related dental treatments
These links are provided for further reading. A related treatment is not necessarily suitable for every person experiencing this symptom.