10 Reasons Your Gums Are Swollen or Bleeding

Healthy gums are pink and firm - they work to protect the sensitive parts of the tooth roots and hold teeth firmly in place. 

Inflamed gums are red, swollen, and are tender to the touch. Swollen gums will be sore and are likely to bleed during brushing, flossing, or eating. 

Swollen or bleeding gums can be a sign of severe dental conditions and should be taken seriously. There’s a connection between your gum health and your overall health. If your gums are inflamed or bleed frequently, you should take steps to find out what could be causing it and seek dental treatment to stop it from getting worse.

Why Your Gums Are Swollen or Bleeding

1. Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the primary cause for most cases of swollen or bleeding gums. Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease where the gums become inflamed due to plaque buildup around the gum line. 

When plaque builds up at the gum line, it can harden into tartar. The bacteria present in tartar irritate gum tissue around the base of your teeth (known as the gingiva), causing inflammation. 

Gingivitis itself is usually not painful, which can make it difficult to identify without dental expertise. This is why signs of swelling and bleeding in the gums should be addressed as soon as possible. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more severe form of gum disease, known as periodontitis.

2. Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a progression of gum disease that affects the underlying bone structure that holds teeth in place. The symptoms of periodontal disease are swollen and bleeding gums, bad breath, and loss of teeth.

Periodontitis cannot be cured; it can only be managed or prevented from progressing further with professional dental treatment. The loss of gum tissue due to periodontitis is permanent and will have long-term consequences for tooth health and the appearance of your smile. 

If you notice that your gums swell or bleed frequently, book an appointment with your dentist for a clear diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.

3. Poor Oral Hygiene

Not brushing or flossing your teeth regularly can also cause your gums to swell and bleed. Inconsistent oral practices will cause plaque to build up around the gum line, eventually causing gum disease.

4. Hard Brushing/Flossing

Hard brushing or improper flossing technique can also be a cause of bleeding and swelling around gums. When you brush too hard, it can irritate your gum tissue and cause it to bleed. Those who have dental implants or sensitive teeth are especially prone to mild bleeding around the gums.

When brushing or flossing, use consistent, gentle movements with a soft brush instead of applying strong pressure - this helps to remove plaque and food particles without injuring the gums.

5. Side Effects of Medication

Blood-thinning medication like Aspirin can increase the risk of gum bleeding while brushing your teeth or flossing. In rare cases, blood thinning anticoagulant medication can also cause spontaneous gum bleeding, such as during sleep.

Hormonal medication, such as the contraceptive pill contains progesterone, and pregnancy can also contribute to inflammation in the gums. 

Generally speaking, gum bleeding and medication-related inflammation are not long-lasting symptoms; however, it is always advisable to inform your dentist if you are on medication. Similarly, if you’ve been prescribed a new medication, make sure you check with your doctor about potential symptoms.

6. Chemotherapy 

One of the symptoms of chemotherapy is that it can cause gums to bleed. Chemotherapy can reduce the level of platelets in the blood, which can lead to sensitive, inflamed, and bleeding gum lines. 

Radiation therapy to the head or neck area can also reduce saliva production, causing dry mouth. With less saliva as a protective barrier, gum tissue can become more prone to swelling and bleeding.

7. Other Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions have symptoms that include swollen or bleeding gums. These include but are not limited to:

• HIV - gum disease commonly develops in HIV-positive individuals and can progress very quickly. 

• Diabetes - periodontal gum disease is one of the most common and is a serious mouth problem related to diabetes due to changes in the body’s blood sugar level. 

• Thyroid disorders - hormonal imbalances from thyroid disorders can cause increased inflammation and bleeding in the gums. 

• Liver disease - Chronic bleeding in the gums is a common symptom of liver cirrhosis.

8. Excessive Alcohol Consumption

A 2024 report published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science established a relationship between heavy alcohol consumption and an increased risk of gingival (gum) bleeding. 

Consuming large amounts of alcohol regularly causes dehydration, which leads to dry mouth and reduced saliva. When someone deals with excessive dry mouth, bacteria and plaque can build up faster and can contribute to inflamed and sore gums.

9. Smoking

Smoking is widely known to have adverse effects on gum and oral health. The chemicals inhaled from smoking can reduce blood supply to the gums, preventing the body’s immune system from defending against bacterial infections. Gum disease can progress very quickly under the effects of smoking (or vaping).

10. Stress

A study in 2024 published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that those who experienced higher levels of stress were more likely to experience bleeding gums. The study found that stress can suppress the immune system, which may contribute to inflamed gums.

How Early Dental Treatment Can Help Swollen or Bleeding Gums

Book an appointment with a dentist to get a professional diagnosis for swollen or bleeding gums. Your dentist will inform you if gum disease is present or if other factors are causing your gums to bleed or swell. If your gum disease is severe, you may need a referral to a Periodontitis (gum disease specialist) for management. In some severe cases of gum disease, extraction of the tooth/teeth may be your only option. 

At Bluff Point Dental, our dental team is trained to help diagnose and manage gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Our gum disease treatment in Geraldton can help put a stop to sore or bleeding gums, and provide effective treatment management  for a healthy smile.