A person with gingivitis is likely to experience bleeding gums without any provocation. Inflammation of the gums may cause small blood vessels to burst or become damaged more easily than normal. The gums bleed when the blood vessels burst. Patients with gingivitis report bleeding gums when brushing or flossing their teeth, after mouthwash use, or when eating certain foods. Gingivitis patients who eat foods with a hard, solid consistency, such as apples, peanuts and almonds, will experience bleeding gums. Gums can bleed from minor trauma or manipulation. The inflammation in the gums of a person with gingivitis can cause them to bleed even if they do not brush very hard.
Learn more about the warning signs for gingivitis.
