2026 Bleeding Gums in Hong Kong: What Should You Do? Professor Lo Chin Man Analyses Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease and the Importance of Scaling

If you accidentally cut your hand and it bleeds, most people would immediately disinfect and stop the bleeding — but what would you do if your gums were bleeding instead? In Hong Kong in 2026, gum bleeding remains an extremely common yet frequently overlooked health issue. Professor Lo Chin-man, Chair Professor of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong Faculty of Dentistry, reminds us that gum bleeding is far from a minor concern — it is a symptom of gum inflammation and a distress signal from the body.

1. A Shocking Statistic: Eight in Ten Hong Kong Residents Are Ignoring the Gum Bleeding Crisis

According to oral health surveys, as many as 80% of adults experience bleeding in half or more of their gums. This is equivalent to more than half of your skin bleeding at the slightest touch — an alarming situation. Yet most Hong Kong residents take a complacent approach:

• Extremely low rate of seeking care: Only 7% of people seek dental help when their gums bleed.

• Avoidance attitude: Even when teeth become loose, six in ten people take no action at all — and some mistakenly believe that drinking a cup of herbal tea to "clear internal heat" will resolve the problem.

2. The Root Cause of Gum Bleeding: Dental Plaque and Calculus

Gum inflammation is caused by bacterial attack. These bacteria primarily originate from:

1. Dental Plaque: Soft deposits left behind by inadequate daily brushing.

2. Calculus (Tartar): The hardened product formed when dental plaque accumulates over time and calcifies, which cannot be removed by brushing alone.

These bacteria trigger a defensive response in the gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding.

3. From Inflammation to Tooth Loss: The Frightening Progression of Chronic Inflammation

If you ignore gum bleeding, dental plaque will continue to proliferate, triggering a serious "self-attack" response:

• Jawbone loss: Chronic inflammation causes the gum tissue and jawbone that support your teeth to gradually deteriorate.

• Irreversible damage: By the time you notice gum recession, exposed tooth roots, widening gaps between teeth, or loose teeth, the golden window for treatment has often already passed.

4. 2026 Recommended Actions for Periodontal Disease Prevention and Intervention

Early treatment is always best. When you notice gum bleeding, you should take action immediately:

1. Seek professional scaling and cleaning: Visit a dentist to remove calculus and dental plaque, eliminating the source of inflammation.

2. Learn correct brushing technique: Such as the Bass Method, which ensures the bristles reach deep into the gum line.

3. Use supplementary cleaning tools: Incorporate interdental brushes, dental floss, or a water flosser to ensure hidden dental plaque has nowhere to hide.

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Part Three: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q1: For dental scaling in Hong Kong in 2026, does more pain mean a more thorough clean?

  • A: No. The sensitivity or discomfort experienced during scaling is generally related to the extent of calculus build-up and the degree of gum inflammation. If you have had persistent gum bleeding, your gums may bleed more readily during scaling — but this is a necessary part of clearing the source of infection.

• Q2: Can using mouthwash instead of brushing stop gum bleeding?

  • A: Absolutely not. Mouthwash can only serve as a supplementary measure — it cannot physically remove calculus that has adhered to the teeth. Long-term reliance on mouthwash while neglecting brushing and professional scaling will mask the condition and allow periodontal disease to continue worsening.

• Q3: Is gum bleeding really unrelated to "internal heat" (熱氣)?

  • A: Professor Lo points out that gum bleeding is primarily caused by bacterial infection. Herbal tea may temporarily relieve oral discomfort, but it cannot remove calculus. If the condition continues to be ignored, jawbone deterioration will persist regardless.