Bleeding From Gums
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Bleeding gums when brushing
Inflamed gums
Blood in gums
Sore gums
Swollen gums
Red gums
About the Symptom
Bleeding gums can be a sign of inflammation of your gums, also known as gingivitis. It may be caused by poor oral hygiene, medications, brushing too hard and certain medical conditions.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Vomiting of blood
- Melena (black stools)
- Dark purple rash on lower limbs
- Difficulty breathing / breathlessness
Possible Causes
Generally, Bleeding from gums can be related to:
- von Willebrand Disease (vWD)
von Willebrand disease (vWD) is a common genetic blood disorder that impairs blood clotting leading to excess bleeding. In people with vWD, a protein called von Willebrand factor that is critical to blood clotting either does not function properly or is insufficient. As a result, people with vWD bleed more easily.
- Multiple Myeloma (MM)
This is a cancer of a type of white blood cell in the blood, called a plasma cell. Cancerous cells multiply and "crowd out" other healthy, normal cells. Risk factors include positive family history, older age, and male sex. Symptoms include fatigue, bone pain, weight loss, and inability to fight infections.
- Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets, which are blood cells that help with clotting. ITP can cause low platelet levels, leading to easy bruising and bleeding. Triggers include infections like HIV and hepatitis.
- Dengue Fever
- Anemia
Hypophosphatasia (HPP)
- Congenital Hemophilia
- Acquired Hemophilia
- Essential Thrombocythemia
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Bleeding from gums may be related to these serious diseases:
- Leukemia
Leukemia is a cancer of the body's blood cell-forming tissues. Blood cells circulate in our bloodstream and are created and matured in the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Leukemia involves white blood cells and lymphatic cells and has several types. The cancerous cells are produced in excess and do not function normally. Leukemias can be aggressive and cause symptoms or chronic and smolder for years.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Are your gums bleeding?
- When did you first notice the bleeding gums?
- How often do you experience bleeding gums?
- How are your bleeding gums now?
Reviewed By:
Luri Lee, DMD (Dentistry)
Dr. Luri Lee graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Biology. She then continued her education at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. During her time in dental school, Dr. Lee was the recipient of the Spencer N. Frankl Scholarship for her strong academic performance and active participation in the school and community. Following dental school, Dr. Lee stayed at Boston University to complete a one year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program. In 2020 Dr. Lee was recognized among the “10 Under Ten” by the Massachusetts Dental Society for her contributions to the dental community and her volunteer work in Panama. Dr. Lee is licensed to practice in Massachusetts and is a member of the American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Society and Academy of General Dentistry.
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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FAQs
Q.
Gums Receding? Why Periodontitis Is Bone Loss & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Receding gums often signal periodontitis, a chronic infection where inflammation and bacteria destroy the bone that holds teeth; timely dental evaluation with pocket measurements and X-rays, followed by scaling and root planing plus consistent daily care, can stop further loss and sometimes allow limited regeneration. There are several factors to consider, from smoking, diabetes, and other health links to non periodontal causes of recession and red flag symptoms needing urgent care; see below for medically approved next steps, advanced treatment options, and how often to do maintenance so you can choose the right path for your situation.
References:
* Sima, C., & Galindo-Moreno, P. (2022). Mechanisms of Alveolar Bone Loss in Periodontitis. Current Osteoporosis Reports, 20(3), 226-235.
* Papapanou, P. N., Sanz, M., Buduneli, S., Dietrich, T., Feres, M., Fine, D. H., ... & Tonetti, M. S. (2018). Periodontitis: Consensus report of workgroup 2 of the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions. Journal of Periodontology, 89 Suppl 1, S173-S183.
* Sanz, M., Herrera, D., Kebschull, K., Chapple, I., Jepsen, S., Berglundh, T., ... & Tonetti, M. S. (2020). EFP clinical practice guideline for the treatment of stage I–III periodontitis—The European Federation of Periodontology S3 level clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 47(Suppl 22), 3-60.
* Herrera, D., Molina, A., Sanz, M., Chapple, I. L. C., Jepsen, S., Kebschull, K., ... & Tonetti, M. S. (2020). EFP clinical practice guideline for the treatment of stage IV periodontitis—The European Federation of Periodontology S3 level clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 47(Suppl 22), 61-82.
* Hajishengallis, G. (2023). Periodontitis: Basic concepts, etiology, and treatment. Molecular Medicine Reports, 28(2), 114.
Q.
Bleeding Gums? Why Scurvy Returns & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Bleeding gums are often from gum disease, but they can also point to scurvy, a highly treatable vitamin C deficiency that can develop within 1 to 3 months, especially with low produce intake, restrictive diets, alcohol use, or absorption issues. Medically approved next steps are to start vitamin C (commonly 100 to 500 mg daily), increase vitamin C rich foods, and see a clinician for evaluation and blood testing to confirm deficiency and rule out other causes, seeking urgent care for heavy bleeding or red flag symptoms. There are several factors to consider; see the complete guidance below for important details that could affect your next steps.
References:
* Vaidya A, Singh A. Scurvy: a review of current literature. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2021;61(11):1905-1913. PMID: 32677840.
* Agarwal A, Shaharyar A, Kumar A, Bhat MS, Mishra D. Scurvy: an overview. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2018 Jan-Apr;22(1):153. PMID: 29491632.
* Michels F, Kiszewski AE. Scurvy: re-emergence of an old disease. Postgrad Med J. 2017 Dec;93(1106):790-794. PMID: 28919632.
* Pellegrini M, Stacchi C, Vettori E, Perino F, Polizzi M, D'Angelo F. Oral Manifestations of Scurvy: A Review. Dent J (Basel). 2020 Apr 8;8(2):29. PMID: 32269209.
* Fain O. Scurvy: an often forgotten diagnosis. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2017 Feb 21;7(1):61-64. PMID: 28249079.
Q.
Dry Socket? Why Your Gums Are Throbbing & Medically Approved Steps
A.
Throbbing gums a few days after a tooth extraction often point to dry socket, which occurs when the protective blood clot is lost and bone and nerves are exposed; hallmark signs include worsening pain 2–5 days after the procedure, bad breath or taste, and a visible empty socket, and prompt dental care with flushing and a medicated dressing usually relieves pain within 24–72 hours. There are several factors and medically approved steps to consider, including which pain medicines are safe for you, when to start gentle saltwater rinses, what to avoid like smoking or straws, and urgent red flags like fever or spreading swelling, so see the complete details below to guide your next steps.
References:
* Kolokythas A, Topouzelis N, Tsioutsioulikas I, Papanikolaou A. Alveolar Osteitis: A Narrative Review of Etiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022 Nov;80(11):1858-1869. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2022.07.009. Epub 2022 Aug 3. PMID: 35927357.
* Al-Hajj MN, Nazzal SM, Hamadah S, Al-Bakri H, Al-Shorbagy MS, Alkhulaqi A, Al-Moosawi H, Tarakji N, Al-Shehri M. Treatment modalities for alveolar osteitis (dry socket): A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Am Dent Assoc. 2023 Mar;154(3):195-207.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2022.10.009. Epub 2022 Dec 10. PMID: 36517174.
* Taberner-Ferrer R, Aracil-Blanquer J, Mifsut-Miedes D, Taberner-Ferrer R, Brizuela-Velales O. Prevention and Management of Alveolar Osteitis (Dry Socket): A Systematic Review. J Clin Med. 2021 Mar 1;10(5):981. doi: 10.3390/jcm10050981. PMID: 33671146; PMCID: PMC7956461.
* Ren Y, Li J, Shen J, Li T, Zhang W, Jiang H, Hu S. Risk factors for alveolar osteitis (dry socket) after mandibular third molar surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021 Feb;79(2):332-344.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2020.10.015. Epub 2020 Oct 28. PMID: 33130103.
* Jesudasan JS, Wahab P, Sekhar MR. Alveolar osteitis: aetiology, prevention and treatment. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 Oct;9(10):ZE10-3. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2015/15442.6640. Epub 2015 Oct 1. PMID: 26673898; PMCID: PMC4668478.
Q.
Gingivitis? Why Your Gums Are Bleeding & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Bleeding gums are most often a sign of gingivitis, a reversible inflammation from plaque along the gumline; left untreated it can progress to periodontitis with irreversible bone loss and tooth loss. Medically approved next steps include improving brushing and daily flossing, using an antimicrobial mouthwash, and booking a professional dental cleaning, while managing conditions like diabetes; most people see improvement within 7 to 14 days, but seek care urgently for severe swelling, pus, fever, or persistent bleeding. There are several factors to consider; see below for complete guidance, prevention tips, and red flags that could change your next steps.
References:
* Nazir MA, Al-Ansari A, Abbasi MSA, et al. Gingivitis: An Updated Review. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2020 Feb 1;21(2):209-213. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32015344/
* Ramseier CA, Pjetursson BE, Salvi GE, et al. Nonsurgical periodontal treatment in the management of gingivitis and periodontitis: A review. J Clin Periodontol. 2022 Nov;49 Suppl 24:73-90. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36263539/
* Hajishengallis G. The host response in periodontal diseases: an updated view. J Periodontal Res. 2015 Aug;50(4):441-54. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25693822/
* Biesbrock AR, Hefti A, Chaves E, et al. Efficacy of mechanical plaque control on gingivitis: a systematic review. J Clin Periodontol. 2019 Nov;46 Suppl 21:135-144. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31338780/
* Caton JG, et al. Diagnosis and Classification of Periodontal Diseases: A Review of the New Classification System. J Periodontol. 2018 Jun;89 Suppl 1:S8-S16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30349806/
Q.
What does a black spot on your gums mean?
A.
Black spots on the gums are most often benign pigmentation from natural skin tone, smoking, or an amalgam tattoo, but rarely they can indicate oral melanoma, medication effects, heavy metal exposure, or Addison’s disease. There are several factors to consider, especially rapid change, irregular borders or multiple colors, bleeding, pain, firmness, or systemic symptoms, which warrant prompt dental or medical evaluation; see below to understand more and decide the right next steps.
References:
Scully C, & Cawson RA. (1989). Pigmented lesions of the oral mucosa: a review of the literature. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 2649448.
Kamath PS, & Wiesner RH. (2001). A model to predict survival in patients with end-stage liver disease. Hepatology, 11157951.
D'Amico G, Garcia-Tsao G, & Pagliaro L. (2006). Natural history and prognostic indicators of survival in cirrhosis: a syste… J Hepatol, 16487898.
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https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Mark, Anita M. “Keeping your gums healthy.” The Journal of the American Dental Association, vol. 153, no. 7, 11 May 2022, p. 730, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2022.04.005.