Bleeding when a child brushes is usually a sign that plaque has been sitting along the gumline for days or weeks. That irritation is called gingivitis. It is common in children, it is rarely painful, and in most cases it settles once the gumline is cleaned properly every day.
Brushing more carefully, not less, is what fixes it. Many parents stop brushing the bleeding spot to avoid hurting their child, which lets plaque build up and keeps the gums inflamed.
Signs to look for
Healthy gums in a child are pale to coral pink, firm, and sit snugly around each tooth in a thin edge. Gingivitis changes that edge. It turns redder and slightly puffy, sometimes shiny, and bleeds when brushed or flossed. You may notice it most around the lower front teeth or the upper front teeth if your child breathes through their mouth. Bad breath often comes with it. Pain is unusual, which is why it can go unnoticed for weeks.
Our article on bleeding gums when brushing covers the same sign in adults and older teens.
Why some children get it more than others
Plaque is the cause in nearly every case. What differs between children is how much plaque gets left behind and how strongly the gums react to it.
Toddlers and preschoolers
Young children cannot clean the gumline on their own. Brushing that skims the biting surfaces leaves a band of plaque right where the gum meets the tooth. An adult brushing for them, with the bristles angled into the gumline, makes the biggest difference.
School-age children
Once children start brushing alone, the back teeth and the inside surfaces are often missed. Most still need help or a quick check from a parent until around seven or eight. Teeth that touch also need cleaning in between, as our guide to when children should start flossing explains.
Braces and crowded teeth
Brackets, wires and overlapping teeth create ledges where plaque collects. Small interdental brushes and a slower brushing technique help.
Puberty
Hormonal changes in the early teen years can make gums react more strongly to the same amount of plaque, so gums may bleed even when brushing seems reasonable. Stepping up cleaning usually brings it back under control.
Mouth breathing
Breathing through the mouth dries the gums at the front and is linked with persistent redness there. If your child often breathes through their mouth, mention it to your dentist or GP, since blocked airways or large tonsils can be involved.
A reset at home
For most children, the following routine helps gingivitis settle:
- Brush twice a day for about two minutes with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste suited to your child's age.
- Tilt the bristles towards the gum and use small, gentle circles so they reach just under the gum edge.
- Keep brushing the areas that bleed. Expect the bleeding to lessen over several days.
- Clean between teeth that touch once a day.
- Keep sweet snacks and drinks to mealtimes.
If the gums still bleed after 3 to 4 days of good brushing and flossing, book a check-up with a dentist or OHT.
Could it be something other than gingivitis?
Occasionally, sore or bleeding gums in a child have another cause. In toddlers, a first infection with the cold sore virus can cause painful, swollen gums with ulcers, fever and refusal to eat or drink. That needs a GP or dentist visit soon, mainly to keep your child drinking. Some medicines can cause gum overgrowth, and rarely, unexplained bleeding or bruising elsewhere points to a medical condition that needs a doctor. A dentist can tell plaque-related gingivitis apart from these.
Untreated gingivitis in children does not usually progress quickly, but it shows that plaque is being left behind, and the same plaque also raises the risk of decay. Infections such as a dental abscess in children come from decay, not gingivitis, but both are less likely when cleaning is thorough.
What patients ask about gum health in children
Should I use mouthwash for my child's gums?
Mouthwash is not usually advised for young children, who may swallow it. Brushing and cleaning between the teeth are what remove plaque. For older children, ask your dentist or OHT whether a rinse is worth adding.
Can a child get gum disease that causes bone loss?
It is uncommon in children but can occur, especially in some medical conditions or with a family history. Regular check-ups help pick it up early.
Getting your child's gums checked
At a check-up our dentists and oral health therapists remove any hardened deposits, look for other causes, and show your child how to reach the gumline. If your child has not been before, our guide to the first dental visit explains what happens. Eligible children may be bulk billed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. You can book a general appointment or see current deals for new patients at Melrose Park.
