nyuszisue,

Most of the time some bleeding from the gums during/after brushing or flossing indicates a build up of plaque. The plaque is a sticky bacteria that forms when debris from food is not removed. This bacteria is very irritating to the gum tissue and will cause the gums to bleed and swell up. Plaque needs to be manually removed via brushing and flossing twice a day.

Another thing that will cause bleeding gums is the birth control pill. The pill elevates a women's inflammatory response which can cause the gums to be tender.. puffy... and/or bleed. Women on the pill should be extra diligent with their oral home care to eliminate or reduce the onset of periodontal disease.

If the gum was bleeding profusely and/or it bleeds when you press on it with your finger or a q tip then it may indicate a bacterial infection.

Do you have bleeding gums from time to time or have you been told that you have periodontal disease?