How to Stop Bleeding Gums: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Find Out What Causes Bleeding Gums and How iHeart Smiles Can Help

Why Are My Gums Bleeding or Swollen?

Bleeding or swollen gums are common oral health concerns and are often early warning signs of gum disease or inflammation. You may notice bleeding of the gums when brushing or flossing, puffiness along the gumline, tenderness, or redness that does not settle. While occasional irritation can occur, ongoing symptoms usually indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.

In many cases, bleeding gums are linked to gingivitis, plaque buildup, or changes in oral hygiene habits. Swelling may also occur around wisdom teeth, particularly when they are erupting or difficult to clean. Left untreated, mild inflammation can progress into more serious gum disease, leading to gum recession, bone loss and long term damage to the supporting structures of the teeth.

At iHeart Smiles, we focus on identifying the cause of bleeding or swollen gums early. With professional gum disease treatment, personalised care and preventative guidance, we help restore gum health and prevent further complications before they become harder to manage.

Learn more about iHeart Smiles' Dental Solutions:

Common Reasons for Bleeding and Swollen Gums

Bleeding or swollen gums usually develop gradually, and early symptoms are often easy to overlook. These changes are commonly caused by plaque buildup, inflammation, lifestyle factors or underlying health issues that affect gum tissue. Understanding the difference between healthy gums vs gingivitis is key to preventing long term damage.

Identifying the cause early allows your dentist to recommend the most effective treatment, reduce inflammation and prevent progression to more advanced gum disease or gum recession.

How to Treat Bleeding Gums and Restore Gum Health

Fillings, Crowns & Root Canal Treatment

When restoring individual teeth, we often begin with dental fillings if the damage is minor. For more significant damage, an all-ceramic filling may be recommended to strengthen the tooth. Using a digital scanner, we design and mill a ceramic restoration that bonds seamlessly to your tooth, restoring both function and aesthetics as though the damage never occurred.

Aesthetic Reconstruction

An Aesthetic Reconstruction becomes essential when both the smiling teeth and the back teeth that stabilise your bite are damaged. At iHeart Smiles, we take a comprehensive approach, assessing the root cause of the breakdown and designing a plan that restores full function while achieving smile perfection. By focusing on both functional needs and aesthetic dental solutions, our team delivers long-lasting results that help you be proud of your smile.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Sometimes, the best next step isn’t a treatment or product — it’s a professional clean. If the services or solutions we discuss aren’t quite what your smile needs right now, we may recommend a dental cleaning instead. A professional clean helps remove built-up plaque and tartar, supports gum health, and creates a healthier foundation before moving forward with any other dental care.

What to Do When You Notice Bleeding or Swollen Gums

Male patient smiling and chatting with a masked dental clinician in a modern treatment room situated in I Heart Smile's dental clinic in Tweed Heads.

How to Prevent Bleeding Gums and Gum Disease

Preventing gum problems involves consistent oral care, gentle brushing techniques and regular dental visits. Daily habits like flossing, proper brushing and professional cleans help reduce inflammation and maintain strong, healthy pink gums over time.

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Single-storey brick dental clinic in Tweed Heads with red tiled roof, clear signage reading Tweed Dental | I Heart Smile, and surrounding greenery, photographed for I Heart Smile.

47 Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads NSW 2485

Suite 5B/2431 Gold Coast Hwy Mermaid Beach, QLD, 4218

FAQs About Bleeding, Swollen and Receding Gums

Everything you need to know before your appointment

How do I stop bleeding gums?

To stop bleeding gums, maintain gentle brushing and flossing, and book a professional clean. Persistent bleeding often signals gingivitis or gum disease and requires dental treatment to remove plaque, reduce inflammation and restore gum health.

What is gingivitis and how do you get rid of it?

Gingivitis is early gum disease caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. It can usually be reversed with professional cleaning, improved brushing and flossing habits, and regular dental visits to prevent progression.

Why do my gums bleed when I clean my teeth?

Bleeding gums when cleaning teeth are often caused by inflammation from plaque buildup. This may improve with consistent oral care, but ongoing bleeding usually means gingivitis or gum disease that needs professional treatment.

What causes gum recession?

Gum recession is caused by gum disease, aggressive brushing, teeth grinding or ageing. As gums pull away, tooth roots become exposed, increasing sensitivity and bleeding. Early dental care helps slow progression and protect the gumline.

What deficiency causes bleeding gums?

Bleeding gums can be linked to vitamin deficiencies, most commonly vitamin C. Low levels affect gum healing and tissue strength. A balanced diet and dental assessment help identify whether nutritional factors contribute to gum problems.

Do you accept health insurance?

Yes, iHeart Smiles accepts all major health funds. We work directly with your health insurance provider to ensure your claims are processed efficiently. If you have any questions about coverage or need assistance with claims, please feel free to contact us at info@iheartsmiles.com.au or call (07) 5523 1666.

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