Why Nest?
No judgement, everOutcomes, not quotasDecades of experienceScience-based careExperienced clinical teamFull-service dentistryTransparent pricingNo judgement, everOutcomes, not quotasDecades of experienceScience-based careExperienced clinical teamFull-service dentistryTransparent pricing
Nest Dental
?

Dental conditions

Bleeding gums

Healthy gums don't bleed. Pink in the sink after brushing is often the first sign of gum disease, and at this early stage it can usually be turned around.

Also called: gingivitis, gum disease, periodontitis

Book an appointment Call 02 9436 1874
Close-up of inflamed, reddened gums around the upper teeth

Sound familiar?

  • Pink or red when you brush, floss or spit
  • Red, puffy or tender gums
  • Bad breath or a bad taste that won't shift
  • Gums that look like they're pulling back
  • Teeth that feel loose or have started to move
  • New gaps appearing between teeth

What's usually behind it

Plaque that sits along the gumline irritates your gums and makes them bleed. This early stage is called gingivitis, and it can be reversed. If plaque and tartar stay there, the infection can move deeper: gums pull away from the teeth, pockets form, and the bone holding your teeth in place is slowly lost. This is periodontitis. The damage can't be undone, but it can be managed. Smoking, diabetes, pregnancy, some medications, stress and family history all increase the risk.

What you can do at home

  • Keep brushing and cleaning between your teeth, gently. Don't stop because your gums bleed
  • Use a soft toothbrush, angled towards the gumline
  • Floss or use interdental brushes once a day
  • With good cleaning, bleeding from gingivitis often improves within a couple of weeks

When to see a dentist

  • Bleeding that continues after two weeks of good cleaning
  • Gums that are receding or teeth that feel loose
  • Bad breath that won't go away
  • You're pregnant, as gums are more prone to bleeding during pregnancy
  • You have diabetes, which is closely linked with gum health

How we help at Nest

We'll check your gums properly, including measuring the space between your gums and teeth, and take X-rays if needed to check the bone. Early gum disease is usually treated with a professional clean and better home care. For periodontitis, we clean deeper below the gumline and set up regular maintenance visits to keep it stable. Dr Diana Arcila leads gum care at Nest. We'll explain what we've found and your options and costs before anything starts.

Bleeding along the gumline during a dental clean

The clinical side

The clinical side

Advanced periodontitis and gum disease in younger adults

Advanced periodontitis involves significant loss of the bone supporting the teeth, deep pockets between gums and teeth, and sometimes loose or drifting teeth. Treatment focuses on removing bacteria from the root surfaces below the gum and keeping the disease stable with regular maintenance. Some younger adults develop gum disease that progresses faster than usual, often with a family history. This was once called aggressive periodontitis. Today it's described by stage and grade, and it benefits from early diagnosis and closer monitoring.

Common questions

It's common, but not normal. Healthy gums don't bleed. It's usually a sign of gum inflammation.

Early gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed with good cleaning. Once bone has been lost (periodontitis), it can be managed and kept stable, but not reversed.

Yes. Advanced gum disease is a common cause of tooth loss in adults, which is why early treatment matters.

Yes. Some younger adults develop gum disease that progresses quickly, especially with a family history.

It depends on your gums. People managing periodontitis often need maintenance visits every three to four months.

Related

Bad breath

Also called: halitosis

Breath that won't freshen up usually starts in the mouth. Here's how to find the source.

Learn more

Sensitive teeth

Also called: dentine hypersensitivity

A twinge from cold drinks or sweet food, and what's usually causing it.

Learn more

Missing teeth

Also called: tooth loss

Implants, bridges or dentures, and what happens if you leave a gap.

Learn more

Talk it through with us

We'll look at what's going on, explain your options and costs before anything starts.

Book an appointment Call 02 9436 1874

Reviewed by Dr Viki Karassellos, Dentist, Nest Dental. Last reviewed September 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Please see a dentist about your own situation.