A little pink on the toothbrush looks harmless, but the message is clear: healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding is almost always the first sign of gingivitis, the inflammation caused by bacterial plaque.
From gingivitis to periodontitis
Gingivitis is fully reversible: remove the cause and it heals. Neglected, it can evolve into periodontitis — the chronic infection that destroys the tooth's supporting tissues and is a leading cause of adult tooth loss. According to WHO, severe periodontal disease affects roughly one in five adults worldwide.
What to do right away
- Don't stop brushing: improve the technique, gently, twice a day.
- Clean between teeth with floss or interdental brushes.
- Book professional hygiene: with the GBT method we remove biofilm gently, below the gum line too.
- Report your symptoms: frequent bleeding, heavy breath, receding gums deserve a periodontal assessment.
When it's time for a visit
If bleeding persists beyond a week or two of proper hygiene, don't wait. Dr. Massimo Ferrara, with advanced training in periodontology, assesses the tissues and sets the plan — often professional hygiene and targeted instructions are enough.
Sources
- WHO, Global Oral Health Status Report, 2022 — global prevalence of severe periodontal disease.
- WHO, Oral health fact sheet — daily hygiene with fluoride toothpaste and plaque control as primary prevention.