Spotting pink in the sink after brushing is common, but it is not normal. It is your gums telling you something needs attention.
Common causes
- Plaque and tartar. Bacteria along the gumline irritate the gums, making them red, puffy and likely to bleed. This is gingivitis.
- Brushing too hard or using a hard brush.
- Starting to floss after a gap.
- Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy and puberty, which make gums more reactive. See dental care during pregnancy.
- Medicines, including blood thinners.
- Smoking and tobacco, which can hide bleeding while masking disease.
- Health conditions such as diabetes. Read diabetes and oral health.
- Ill-fitting dentures, braces or rough fillings.
What to do at home
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush, angled at the gumline, with light pressure.
- Clean between your teeth daily. See our flossing guide.
- Rinse with warm salt water if gums feel sore.
- Stop smoking and chewing tobacco.
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
If it is plaque-related, you should see improvement in one to two weeks.
When to see a dentist
- Bleeding continues beyond two weeks of good care
- Gums are swollen, receding, painful or pus is present
- You have persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Teeth feel loose or your bite has changed
- Gums bleed spontaneously, or bleed heavily or from other places
Professional treatment
A professional scaling removes the tartar that home care cannot. If infection has moved deeper, a more thorough gum treatment may be advised. The earlier it is treated, the easier it is to reverse. Learn the stages of gum disease and about our periodontal care.