CarolinasDentist Blog

Why Do My Gums Bleed?

Drawing of a boy with gum disease because his gums are bleeding, irritated, and swollen

Noticing blood in your mouth can be concerning. You may wonder if it’s an oral health issue, or if you injured the soft tissue inside of your mouth. At CarolinasDentist, with various locations throughout North Carolina, is here to help our patients understand the causes of bleeding gums. Read on to discover possible reasons why your gums bleed.

Your Toothbrush

If you’re experiencing bleeding after you brush your teeth, you may be brushing too hard. The bristles of your toothbrush could also be too hard for your sensitive gum tissue. Both could lead to bleeding.

Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush more gently, avoiding vigorous sawing motions. You could also start using an electric toothbrush instead of a manual toothbrush. A good electric toothbrush has a safety feature that stops the brushing if you apply too much pressure. Keep in mind that if you’re brushing too hard or using too hard of a toothbrush, you could also be damaging the enamel of your teeth.

Gum Disease

Plaque build-up along your gumline will cause gingivitis. Gingivitis means your gums are irritated. This condition is characterized by inflammation, tenderness, redness, and bleeding. You can often reverse the problem by improving your oral health habits. Be sure to brush twice a day for two minutes each time, floss at least once a day, flossing regularly, visit us every six months for a cleaning, eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and avoid tobacco products.

If gingivitis worsens, it leads to a gum infection called periodontitis that requires professional treatment. Your gums pull away from your teeth, forming pockets. These bacteria-filled pockets will harm the portion of your teeth under the gumline and can even damage your jawbone. CarolinasDentist offers Perio Protect®, a gentle and effective way to treat gum disease that can’t be reversed with improved oral hygiene.

Other Causes of Bleeding Gums

While the most common cause of bleeding gums is plaque, bleeding gums could also be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, hormonal changes, a bleeding disorder, or a side effect of a blood thinner.

Schedule Your Next Cleaning & Checkup!

Untreated gum disease leads to pain, tooth loss, and bone loss. If you experience bleeding gums that are chronically swollen, tender, and abnormally red, schedule a visit to our office to receive a thorough oral health evaluation and teeth cleaning. With routine visits, we can help determine if there is a different underlying cause of your bleeding gums. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.

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Photo by Authority Dental under CC 2.0

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

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