What do his gums look like?
It MIGHT be this:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001059.htmI only think that because of this. "Periodontitis occurs when inflammation or infection of the gums (gingivitis) is untreated or treatment is delayed."
After not brushing for 2.5 years that's pretty possible.
Another reason is because of this: "Gums that bleed easily (blood on toothbrush even with gentle brushing of the teeth)"
Hopefully it's not but it might be.