What are bleeding gums and dental bleeding?

Dental bleeding is when blood comes from your:

• mouth
• gums
• lips
• tooth sockets

What symptoms are related to dental bleeding?

If you have dental bleeding, you may also have:

• pain in your gums or teeth
• swelling of your mouth or gums
• bad breath
• loose teeth

What causes dental bleeding?

Some causes of bleeding in the mouth are:

• bleeding gums due to gum disease
• dental treatment
• dental surgery
• injuries to your teeth and mouth

Bleeding gums

If your gums are bleeding after you have brushed your teeth, it could be a sign of gum disease. This happens when plaque builds up on your teeth and gums.

Early gum disease is called gingivitis. As well as bleeding, gingivitis can cause gum redness and swelling (inflammation).

Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. This can happen when gingivitis is not treated and causes:

• loose teeth
• bad breath
• tenderness or discomfort when biting
• receding gums (your teeth appear longer)

Mouth conditions

Conditions such as angular cheilitis (a sore in the corner of the mouth), mouth ulcers, mouth infections and oral cancer may also cause mouth bleeding.

Dental treatment or dental surgery

Your gums or mouth may start to bleed after having a dental procedure such as a:

• tooth extraction (tooth pulled out)
• dental crown procedure

Injuries to teeth and mouth

Dental injuries can happen from a fall, sporting injury or other impact to your face and mouth.

How is the cause of bleeding gums or dental bleeding diagnosed?

Your doctor or dentist will examine your mouth and ask about your symptoms to diagnose the cause of the bleeding.

When should I see my dentist or doctor?

If you think you might have gum disease, it’s important to see a dentist. Getting treatment early can help protect your teeth.

Visit your dentist or doctor if you have:

• a sore or ulcer that lasts more than 2 weeks
• difficulty swallowing or speaking
• repeated or heavy bleeding in your mouth
• red or white patches in your mouth
• swelling or numbness in your mouth

How are bleeding gums and dental bleeding treated?

Treatment for gum disease

The main treatment for gum disease is removing plaque and calculus from your teeth. This can be done by your dentist, oral health therapist, dental hygienist or a specialist periodontist.

You will also need to brush and floss your teeth regularly to keep the gums healthy.

Treatment of mouth conditions

Angular cheilitis causes cracked, split, and sore lips, as well as pain when opening the mouth. You can prevent it by:

• drinking water to keep hydrated
• using lip balm and ointment
• practicing good dental care
• having regular dental check-ups, particularly if you are wearing dentures

Ask your doctor, dentist or pharmacist for advice.

Mouth ulcers will usually clear up without treatment. As your pharmacist about pain relief ointments. If you have an ulcer caused by dentures or braces, you can try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water for short-term relief.

Self-care at home

If your mouth bleeding was caused by a dental procedure or an injury, the advice below may help.

• Apply pressure over the area with gauze or other clean cloth. Dampen the pad slightly with clean water.
• Keep this pad in place for 30 minutes without removing it. Check to see if the bleeding has stopped. If not, re-apply a clean pad and see a dentist.
• Do not rinse your mouth or put your fingers in your mouth.
• If you are in pain, get advice on pain-relief medicines you can take.
• Avoid any strenuous activity.
• Avoid hot drinks and hard foods. Cold foods such as yoghurt may be easier to eat and provide pain relief.
• Smoking can affect the ability for your mouth to heal properly. It’s best not to smoke.

Follow any advice you received from your dentist about rinsing your mouth and eating and drinking after dental procedures.

Can bleeding gums and dental bleeding be prevented?

If you notice signs of gum disease, you might need to pay more attention to caring for your teeth and gums.

• Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush after every meal.
• If this is not possible, then try to rinse your mouth after a meal.
• Use dental floss every day — ask your dentist or pharmacist about this.

Antibacterial mouthwashes (available from your pharmacist) may also help. Talk to your dentist or pharmacist first, as sometimes medical mouthwashes can cause side effects and they should not be used for a long period of time.

Complications of bleeding gums and dental bleeding

If gum disease is not treated it can progress to periodontitis (severe gum disease) or an abscess.

Poor oral health has also been linked to poor general health.

Resources and support

Find out more about looking after your teeth on the Teeth.org.au website.

Learn about first aid for dental injuries.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline for advice on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.