What causes bleeding when brushing teeth?

Dec 29, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Weimin
Introduction
Bleeding while brushing is often caused by gingivitis or periodontitis, and may also result from a coagulation disorder. The most common causes of bleeding during tooth brushing are gingivitis and periodontitis. If teeth are not brushed promptly after meals, food debris or soft plaque can accumulate around the teeth, irritating the gums and causing inflammation. Over time, gum tissues become congested and swollen, leading to bleeding during eating or brushing, which are typical symptoms of periodontitis.

Some people always experience bleeding from the mouth when brushing their teeth. What causes bleeding during tooth brushing?

What Causes Bleeding When Brushing Teeth?

Bleeding while brushing is mostly caused by gingivitis or periodontitis, but it may also result from coagulation disorders. The most common cause of bleeding during brushing is gingivitis or periodontitis. If you do not brush your teeth promptly after meals, food residues or dental plaque can accumulate around the teeth, irritating the gums and causing inflammation. Over time, gum tissue becomes congested and swollen, leading to bleeding during eating or brushing—this is a typical symptom of gingivitis or periodontitis. In such cases, professional teeth cleaning is required to remove tartar, plaque, and irritants using ultrasonic vibration, followed by improvement with mouthwash and medication.

Bleeding during tooth brushing may also be due to systemic factors, such as hemophilia or leukemia, as well as gum bleeding caused by coagulation dysfunction. A complete blood count (CBC) test is needed to identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment. Bleeding while brushing can also occur due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. In the second and third months of pregnancy, fluctuations in hormone levels may lead to gum bleeding. Generally, the bleeding improves after delivery. Alternatively, rinsing with salt water can help, but care should be taken to avoid medications that may affect the fetus.

Therefore, bleeding during tooth brushing may be caused by gingivitis, or it could be related to conditions like leukemia or hemophilia, or associated with pregnancy. We hope this answer has been helpful to you. Wishing you good health and happiness!