02/27/2026
“I brush every day… so why are my gums bleeding?” 😔
If this sounds familiar, you’re not doing anything wrong.
If you’re using a hormonal IUD, this could be the missing piece.
Hormonal IUDs release progestin, which can change how your gums respond to bacteria. Even small amounts of plaque can trigger bigger inflammation because hormones increase blood flow and lower the gums’ tolerance to irritation.
So yes —
You’re brushing.
You’re flossing.
And your gums may still look red, swollen, or bleed easily.
That doesn’t mean your hygiene is bad.
It means hormones + plaque = an exaggerated response.
What many people notice 👇
• Gums bleed more easily
• Inflammation looks worse than expected
• Flare-ups during stress or certain times of the cycle
✨ Important truth:
Hormones don’t cause gingivitis — but they can turn up the volume on it.
This is why gum symptoms often appear 1–3 months after IUD placement, even with good home care.
💡 What actually helps:
• Gentle, consistent plaque removal
• Tools that clean without traumatizing gums
• More frequent professional cleanings
• Open conversations about hormones at dental visits
And no — copper IUDs don’t carry this same risk, since they don’t affect progesterone levels.
If your gums feel like they’re “overreacting,” your body isn’t broken.
It’s responding to a hormonal shift.
📞 Call 619.295.6500 to schedule a consult — we’re here to help you connect the dots.
Have you noticed gum changes since starting hormonal birth control? 👇
Save this & share it with someone who needs reassurance.
