5 Common Mouth Problems...and Solutions

Q Why do my gums bleed when I brush?

A Red, tender, puffy, bleeding gums are the first signs of gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums. The mildest and most common form of gum disease, gingivitis occurs due to an overgrowth of plaque, the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that's always forming on teeth. When plaque isn't removed properly, bacteria can irritate the gums, causing inflammation.

Luckily, Gingivitis can be reversed in nearly all cases simply by removing the plaque and keeping it off with better oral hygiene. Start by scheduling an appointment for an in-office tooth cleaning. Though new research published in the Journal of Periodontology found that brushing and flossing regularly for just two weeks reduces symptoms of gingivitis by nearly 40 percent, it's still necessary to have the hardened plaque (tartar) removed by a professiona. Once the tartar is scraped away, gingivitis should disappear within a week or two.