Gums bleeding when you brush — is it okay to just leave it?

Hello, this is the director of Yonsei The Strong Dental Clinic near Dobong Station, Seoul.

"My gums bleed every time I brush — isn't that normal?" a patient from Ssangmun-dong asked me. The short answer: gum bleeding is not a normal reaction. In most cases it's an early sign of gingivitis.

Why does it bleed?

When plaque builds up between the teeth and gums, the gum tissue there becomes swollen and sensitive. In that state, even the light touch of bristles can cause bleeding. Because there's little pain at this stage, it's easy to ignore — but left unchecked, the inflammation can progress into periodontitis, which affects the bone supporting the teeth.

When it's okay to just watch

• A one-off trace of blood after brushing too hard
• Mild bleeding with some sensitivity for a few days right after a scaling

In these cases, it's fine to keep up gentle brushing and flossing for a few days and see how it goes.

Signs that call for a checkup

• Bleeding every single time you brush
• Gums that look red and swollen, or hurt when pressed
• Bad breath that has gotten noticeably worse
• A feeling that a tooth is loose

If any of these apply, a scaling and gum checkup can confirm how far the inflammation has spread. The longer it's left, the more bone loss can progress — so earlier care means an easier recovery, though the pace varies from person to person.

Scaling is covered once a year by national health insurance

Anyone 19 or older gets one scaling per year covered by national health insurance. If bleeding keeps recurring, it's a good moment to use that visit for a checkup too. We're open weekdays until 9 PM, 365 days a year, so even a busy schedule shouldn't get in the way.

Today's takeaway: don't ignore recurring gum bleeding — a scaling and checkup can confirm how far the inflammation has spread.

One minute from Dobong Station Exit 1 — also close to Ssangmun and Banghak.