bleeding gums.
last revised · reviewed 2026-07-05
Swollen, tender gums that bleed when brushing affect the majority of pregnant women — pregnancy hormones increase blood flow to the gums and amplify their reaction to plaque. Good brushing and flossing, plus a routine dental check-up, keep it in hand; dental care is safe and encouraged in pregnancy.
what it feels like
Gums look redder and puffier than usual and bleed easily when you brush or floss, or occasionally when eating something firm. Some women develop a small, harmless overgrowth on the gum (a 'pregnancy epulis') that bleeds easily and usually shrinks after birth.
why it happens
Oestrogen and progesterone increase blood flow to the gum tissue and heighten its inflammatory response to the plaque bacteria that live along the gumline. The same plaque that caused no trouble before pregnancy now provokes swelling and bleeding — a condition called pregnancy gingivitis, which peaks around the second to third trimester.
what helps
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, using a soft-bristled brush — don't stop because of bleeding; plaque removal is the treatment
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
- Book a dental check-up — dental treatment is safe in pregnancy
- If vomiting from morning sickness, rinse with water and wait an hour before brushing, so you don't scrub softened enamel
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals
- An alcohol-free mouthwash can help — ask your dentist or pharmacist for a suitable one
when to call your midwife or doctor
- Gum pain, a bad taste, or a swelling with pus — possible infection; see your dentist promptly
- A loose adult tooth — needs dental assessment, pregnancy or not
- Bleeding that is spontaneous and heavy rather than just on brushing
- Bleeding from other places too (nosebleeds plus easy bruising, for instance) — mention the combination to your midwife or doctor
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call — no midwife has ever minded a careful question.
common questions
Why do gums bleed more during pregnancy?
Pregnancy hormones increase blood flow to the gums and exaggerate their inflammatory response to everyday plaque, a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. It affects most pregnant women to some degree and settles after birth — provided plaque is kept in check with good brushing and flossing.
Is dental treatment safe during pregnancy?
Yes — check-ups, cleaning, fillings, and local anaesthetic are all considered safe in pregnancy, and looking after your teeth is actively encouraged. Tell your dentist you're pregnant so they can plan timing and avoid the few things that are deferred, such as routine X-rays.
Should I stop brushing if my gums bleed?
No — bleeding gums need more thorough (but gentle) cleaning, not less. Plaque along the gumline is what drives the inflammation, so brushing twice daily with a soft brush and cleaning between teeth is the treatment. The bleeding settles as gum health improves.
read it in context
Bleeding gums tends to show up around these weeks of pregnancy:
related symptoms
- Restless legs syndrome
Restless legs syndrome — a crawling, fidgety urge to move the legs, worst in the evening and at night — affects around 1 in 5 pregnant women, peaking in the third trimester.
- Headaches
Headaches are common in pregnancy, especially the first trimester, driven by hormone shifts, increased blood volume, tiredness, and often caffeine withdrawal.
- Itchy skin
Mild itching is common in pregnancy as skin stretches over the bump and hormones make it drier.
know what's normal, week by week
elara tracks your symptoms alongside your weeks.
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