Why Your Gums Bleed — And Why It’s Not Because You’re Brushing Too Hard

Why Your Gums Bleed — And Why It’s Not Because You’re Brushing Too Hard

By Dr. Cohen — Serving Mission Viejo and South Orange County for Over 40 Years

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, many people assume it’s because they were “too aggressive.” In reality, bleeding gums are rarely caused by brushing too hard. Instead, bleeding is your body’s early warning sign that something beneath the surface needs attention.

As a dentist practicing in Mission Viejo for over four decades, I’ve seen this issue daily. And in the majority of cases, the cause is much more straightforward than patients expect.

What’s Actually Causing Your Gums to Bleed

1. Inflammation From Plaque Left BehindThe most common reason gums bleed is not brushing or flossing effectively enough. When plaque and food debris sit along the gumline, bacteria irritate the tissue. That irritation leads to inflammation — and inflamed gums bleed easily.Most patients aren’t neglecting their oral hygiene entirely; they’re simply missing key areas, brushing too quickly, or flossing incorrectly.​

2. Early Gum Disease (Gingivitis)If plaque sits for long enough, it hardens into tartar and causes gingivitis — the earliest stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is reversible, provided you clean the affected areas thoroughly and consistently. Untreated, it progresses into more serious periodontal disease.​

3. Gaps in the RoutineBrushing alone cannot reach all the surfaces of your teeth. Without flossing, nearly 40% of plaque is left behind. That’s why many patients who don’t floss regularly notice bleeding the moment they start — it’s not the floss causing the bleeding; it’s the inflammation that was already there.​​

So, What Should You Do?

These are the exact recommendations I give my patients in Mission Viejo every day:

1. Brush With the Right Technique

Use small, gentle circular motions along the gumline — not harsh scrubbing. A soft brush does the work; you don’t need pressure.

I personally recommend the Nimbus Extra-Soft Toothbrush. It’s gentle on gum tissue while still cleaning effectively.

2. Floss Correctly, Every Day

Any waxed floss, including Johnson & Johnson, works well.Slide it gently under the gumline on each tooth and curve it into a “C-shape” to clean the sides thoroughly.

3. Consider Adding a Waterpik

A Waterpik doesn’t replace flossing, but it’s an excellent addition — especially if you have braces, bridges, or buildup under the gums. It helps flush out debris that brushing alone can’t reach.

4. Stay Consistent

If you floss today and notice bleeding, that’s a sign you need to keep going — not stop. Within 7–10 days of consistent cleaning, most bleeding reduces significantly.

When Should You See a Dentist?

If your gums continue bleeding even with proper brushing and flossing, or if you notice swelling, bad breath, or gum recession, it’s time for a professional evaluation. Early detection is the key to protecting your smile and preventing more serious gum disease.

Our dental office is located at 27871 Medical Center Rd, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, where preventive care and personalized guidance are part of routine dental visits.