If you think your biannual dental checkup is just about cleaning your teeth and spotting cavities, you’re not alone. While those are important parts of the visit, there’s actually a lot more happening during your appointment than most patients realize. Dentists use routine checkups as an opportunity to look for early signs of issues that can affect both your oral and overall health.

Seeing blood in the sink when you brush or floss can be alarming, but it’s also one of the most common early signs of gingivitis. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible, especially when it’s caught early. With guidance from your dentist and consistent at-home care, bleeding gums can improve faster than many people expect.