Health

Ask a doc: 'Why do my gums bleed after I brush my teeth, and what should I do about it?'

Published

2 years ago

February 12, 2024

Ask a doc: 'Why do my gums bleed after I brush my teeth, and what should I do about it?'

If you notice your gums are bleeding after you brush your teeth, you could have other symptoms as well, such as tenderness and swelling.

Oral health is very important — and if your gums bleed, you should bring this up with your dental professional.

“Gums may start to look swollen and turn reddish in color prior to gum bleeding,” said Alice G. Boghosian, DDS, consumer adviser and spokesperson for the American Dental Association. She practices at Hagopian & Boghosian Dentistry in Glenview, Illinois.

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“If you notice blood in the sink when you brush your teeth, and you experience it for more than two weeks, you should consult your dentist, as it’s possible you may be at risk for gum disease.”

Fox News Digital interviewed dental experts about how to stay healthy, protect your pearly whites and your gums — read on.

What causes bleeding gums?

There are many potential reasons for bleeding gums, medical experts say.

If your gums bleed after you brush your teeth, you should discuss this with your dental professional, experts advise. (iStock)

“In some cases, bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease,” said Sally J. Cram, DDS, consumer adviser and spokesperson for the American Dental Association. She is a periodontist with a practice in Washington, D.C.

“Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and bone that surround your teeth, and is caused by a buildup of plaque.”

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In addition to gums that bleed easily, symptoms of gum disease in its early stages may include red, swollen and tender gums as well as bad breath, she said.

Many women develop bleeding and swollen gums during puberty, pregnancy, menopause and during their monthly menstrual cycle.

Additionally, Dr. Cram said many women develop bleeding and swollen gums during puberty, pregnancy, menopause and during their monthly menstrual cycle.

“This is due to increased hormone levels, which make the gums more sensitive to plaque and bacteria,” she said.

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Another potential cause of bleeding gums? It might be a new flossing routine, which may cause gums to bleed at first as they get used to the cleaning between the teeth, said Dr. Cram.

“This goes away on its own within about a week,” she said.

In addition to bleeding gums, if you have symptoms like bad breath or swollen, tender gums, and have experienced symptoms for longer than two weeks, it’s best to visit your dentist or periodontist. (iStock)

Lastly, brushing too hard or incorrectly may cause bleeding gums.

“It’s always wise to ask your dentist and dental hygienist to suggest the right toothbrush for you and to review how to use it correctly,” Dr. Cram suggested.

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Many causes are temporary, like implementing a new flossing routine, or can easily be adjusted, like brushing too hard or using the wrong toothbrush.

Yet if you have additional symptoms like bad breath or swollen, tender gums, and you have experienced symptoms for longer than two weeks, you should visit your dentist or periodontist, Dr. Cram advised.

What are other factors that can put patients at risk?

Dr. Boghosian with Hagopian & Boghosian said these issues may also raise the risk of gum disease:

Poor dental care
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Genetics
Crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean
Pregnancy
Diabetes
The use of certain medications, including steroids, some anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives

Why should bleeding gums be brought up to a dentist?

It’s possible that bleeding gums can be a symptom of gum disease, an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth.

“Bacteria in the mouth and gum disease have been implicated in higher risks of oral cancer — and although it is not very common, persistent red, bleeding gums can also be a sign of certain blood disorders such as leukemia.” (iStock)

“Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults,” periodontist Dr. Cram said.

Additional warning signs of gum disease, she said, include red, tender gums; gums that have begun to pull away from the teeth; persistent bad breath; permanent teeth that are loose or separating; any changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite; or any changes in the fit of partial dentures.

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“If these symptoms persist for two weeks, you should visit your dentist or periodontist,” Dr. Cram cautioned.

When can bleeding gums signify a more severe medical issue?

Research between systemic diseases and periodontal diseases is ongoing, said Dr. Cram.

“While a link is not conclusive, some studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as diabetes or stroke,” she indicated.

“Bacteria in the mouth and gum disease have also been implicated in higher risks of oral cancer, and although it is not very common, persistent red, bleeding gums can also be a sign of certain blood disorders such as leukemia.”

Regular dental checkups and periodontal exams are advised.

“It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, eat a balanced diet, schedule regular dental visits and avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.” (iStock)

What will a dentist do to evaluate?

Treatment of periodontitis can be non-surgical or surgical.

Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed, Boghosian at Hagopian & Boghosian said.

What can people do at home?

Good dental care at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring.

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“To help prevent periodontal disease, it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, eat a balanced diet, schedule regular dental visits and avoid smoking or chewing tobacco,” Boghosian recommended.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Erica Lamberg is a contributing reporter for Fox News Digital.

Health

Common nighttime noise exposure may trigger heart problems, study suggests

Published

8 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Common nighttime noise exposure may trigger heart problems, study suggests

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Living near heavy traffic could negatively impact your heart health.

A European study, published in the journal Environmental Research, found that exposure to nighttime road traffic noise is linked to changes in the blood, leading to worsened cholesterol and cardiovascular risks.

The researchers considered data from the U.K. Biobank, Rotterdam Study, and Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966, including more than 272,000 adults over the age of 30, according to a press release.

Nighttime road noise exposure was estimated at all participants’ homes based on national noise maps. Researchers also took blood samples to measure the participants’ metabolic biomarkers for disease, then mapped the link between nightly noise levels and existence of biomarkers.

Exposure to loud noise was associated with increased concentrations of cholesterol-related biomarkers. (iStock)

The study found that people exposed to louder noise at night — especially sounds above 55 decibels — showed changes in 48 different substances in their blood. Twenty of these associations “remained robust” throughout all cohorts.

Exposure to loud noise was associated with increased concentrations of cholesterol-related biomarkers, especially LDL “bad” cholesterol, IDL (intermediate-density lipoprotein) and unsaturated fatty acids.

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As noise levels increased, starting at around 50 decibels, cholesterol markers rose steadily, the release stated.

The authors concluded that this study “provides evidence that nighttime road traffic noise exposure from 50 dB upward is associated with alterations in blood cholesterol and lipid profiles in adults.”

Researchers noted a link between traffic noise and cardiometabolic disease. (iStock)

Study co-author Yiyan He, doctoral researcher at the University of Oulu in Finland, noted that in this type of research, small effect sizes are expected, and environmental exposures such as traffic noise are “typically modest.”

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“Despite this, we observed statistically robust and consistent associations across many biomarkers, especially those related to LDL and IDL lipoproteins,” she told Fox News Digital.

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“We also identified a clear exposure-response pattern starting at around 50 dB, suggesting that metabolic changes become more evident as noise levels increase.”

This aligns with public health guidance, as the World Health Organization recommends lower nighttime noise limits at around 40 to 45 dB, Yiyan He added.

“This finding may clarify the association between traffic noise and cardiometabolic diseases,” the researchers wrote. (iStock)

“The 55 dB level is often used as an interim benchmark associated with substantial noise annoyance and sleep disturbance,” she said. “In our study, we observed associations not only at 55 dB, but also indications of effects emerging at around 50 dB.”

The strength and consistency of the cholesterol-related associations were surprising, as these changes are usually “subtle.”

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“Instead, we found consistent associations across multiple large European cohorts, which strengthens confidence that the findings may reflect real biological patterns,” Yiyan He went on. “We were also interested to see that effects were minimal below ~50 dB, suggesting a possible threshold-like pattern.”

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The researcher noted that these findings were consistent across genders, education levels and obesity status.

The study was restricted to White Europeans, which posed a limitation. There was also a lack of information on the fasting status in the UK Biobank.

Changes in cholesterol levels were more severe than researchers expected. (iStock)

“Fasting can influence levels of certain metabolites, particularly fatty acids,” Yiyan He said. “However, based on UK Biobank documentation, fewer than 10% of participants were fasting for at least eight hours, and our main findings focused on cholesterol-related biomarkers, which are generally less sensitive to short-term fasting.”

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The researchers also lacked information on bedroom location, indoor noise exposure and time spent at home.

“These factors may introduce non-differential exposure misclassification,” Yiyan He said. “Additionally, noise exposure estimates were based on participants’ temporary residential addresses at the time of blood sampling, without considering the duration of residence.”

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“Many of these limitations would tend to bias results toward the null, so the consistent associations we observed remain noteworthy.”

Experts recommend taking measures to limit traffic noise at night. (iStock)

Based on this latest research, Yiyan He noted that nighttime noise is a “health-relevant exposure,” not just “an annoyance.”

“Our findings suggest that nighttime traffic noise may subtly but consistently affect metabolic health,” she said. “While the changes in cholesterol and lipid levels for any one individual are small, traffic noise affects a very large number of people, which means the potential public health impact could be substantial.”

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The researcher recommends taking measures like improving sound insulation, using noise-reducing strategies and placing bedrooms on the quieter side of the home when possible.

“Because sleep is a key pathway linking noise to health, protecting the nighttime sleep environment is especially important,” she added.

Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.

Health

The Best Time To Drink Coffee for Weight Loss and a Faster Metabolism

Published

19 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

The Best Time To Drink Coffee for Weight Loss and a Faster Metabolism

The Best Time To Drink Coffee for Weight Loss and Fat Burn | Woman’s World

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