Bleeding or sore gums are usually a sign of gum disease, and the NHS advises booking a dentist appointment if your gums bleed when you brush or eat hard foods. Keep brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth while you wait. Ask for an urgent appointment if your gums are very sore and swollen or your teeth feel loose.
Get urgent help if...
- You have heavy bleeding from your mouth that won't stop. Go to A&E or call 999.
- You have severe swelling of your mouth, lips, throat or neck and are having difficulty breathing or opening 1 or both eyes. Go to A&E or call 999.
- Your gums are very sore and swollen. Ask a dentist for an urgent appointment, or call NHS 111 if you can't get one.
- Your teeth are becoming loose or falling out. Ask a dentist for an urgent appointment, or call NHS 111.
- You have ulcers or red patches in your mouth, or a lump in your mouth or on your lip. Ask a dentist for an urgent appointment, or call NHS 111.
- You've had a tooth removed recently and you're bleeding or have severe pain. Ask a dentist for an urgent appointment, or call NHS 111.
What causes bleeding gums
The NHS says gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. If plaque isn't removed by brushing and cleaning between your teeth, it can irritate the gums.
Early signs include gums that bleed when you brush, floss or eat hard foods, and gums that are swollen, red and sore.
The NHS says that if gum disease isn't treated, it can lead to bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth or teeth falling out, and dental abscesses.
When to book a routine appointment
The NHS suggests seeing a dentist, without it being urgent, if:
- Your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or eat hard foods.
- Your gums are painful and swollen.
- You have bad breath.
- Your child has sore, bleeding gums.
Our dental check-up guide explains what happens at a routine appointment.
What you can do now
The NHS advice for preventing and managing gum disease at home is:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Spit after brushing rather than rinsing.
- Clean between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes.
- Don't use mouthwash straight after brushing.
- Don't smoke.
- Go for regular dental check-ups.
What a dentist may do
Treatment depends on how advanced the gum disease is. The NHS describes these steps:
- For early gum disease, advice on how to clean your teeth properly, including how to use interdental brushes.
- For more serious gum disease, deep cleaning under the gums, and sometimes antibiotics.
- In some cases, taking out a tooth or gum surgery.
- A referral to a specialist if needed.
If a tooth has to be removed, our guides to dental implants, bridges and dentures explain options for replacing it.
NHS or private
Gum disease treatment is available on the NHS. A routine examination and some gum treatment, such as scaling, fall under Band 1, and more extensive treatment for gum disease falls under Band 2, unless you qualify for free treatment. Our NHS dentist guide explains the bands.
Some people choose a private dentist or private hygienist for more appointment choice. Private fees vary by practice, so ask for the cost first.
Sources: NHS: Gum disease, NHS: How to find an NHS dentist in an emergency, NHS: Understanding NHS dental charges.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried, contact a dentist or NHS 111.