Gums that bleed when you brush or floss are not normal - they are the earliest warning sign of gum disease. The good news is that at this stage it is completely reversible. Left alone, it progresses to periodontitis (what many call 'pyorrhea'), which destroys the bone around your teeth and eventually loosens them. This is where prompt gum care makes all the difference.
Why are my gums bleeding?
- Plaque and tartar build-up at the gumline (by far the most common cause)
- Brushing too hard, or a hard-bristled brush
- Skipping flossing, so debris stays between teeth
- Hormonal changes - pregnancy, puberty (pregnancy gingivitis is common)
- Diabetes, vitamin C deficiency, or certain medicines
- Smoking, which masks bleeding while worsening the disease
How bleeding gums are treated
The first step is a professional cleaning (scaling) to remove the hardened tartar your brush cannot. For early gingivitis, a single scaling plus better home care usually stops the bleeding within a week or two. For deeper disease, we do root planing (deep cleaning below the gumline) and, in advanced cases, laser gum therapy or minor gum surgery. At our Mayur Vihar Phase 1 clinic, a standard scaling and polishing typically costs ₹1,000-₹2,500; deep cleaning per quadrant is quoted after examination.
Is scaling bad for your teeth?
This is a common myth. Scaling does not loosen teeth or wear away enamel - it removes the tartar that was causing damage. Teeth can feel slightly sensitive or 'gappy' for a few days afterwards simply because the inflammation and deposits that were filling the spaces are gone. That settles quickly. Routine preventive dental care every 6 months keeps gum disease from ever taking hold.
When to see a dentist
Book a visit if bleeding lasts more than a week, your gums are swollen or receding, you notice persistent bad breath, or any tooth feels loose. These are signs the disease is advancing. We treat gum patients from across Patparganj, IP Extension, Laxmi Nagar, Preet Vihar, Mayur Vihar Phase 2 and Mayur Vihar Phase 3, as well as Noida and Indirapuram.
Healthy gums are the foundation of every other treatment - braces, implants and crowns all depend on them. Book a gum check-up and we will tell you honestly whether a simple cleaning is enough or whether more is needed.