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Bleeding gums

There are many reasons why you may experience bleeding gums from something simple, like using the wrong technique when you brush or floss, or it could be a sign of a more serious issue such as a health condition you need to check out.

Common Causes

  • You may have bleeding gums if you:
  • Have gum disease that causes inflammation of the gums (gingivitis or periodontitis)
  • Brush too hard or your toothbrush is too hard
  • Just started a flossing routine and your gums aren't used to it yet
  • Take certain medications, like blood thinners
  • Have inflamed gums because you're pregnant (pregnancy gingivitis)
  • Have dentures that don't fit well
  • Faulty dental restorations
  • Underlying medical condition such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, discuss this with your Hindhead Dental Practice dentist or hygienist at your next review. If you are suffering inflammation or discomfort, don’t wait for your next review, give us a call on 01428 605802 as soon as possible to get it checked out.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth - a sticky substance that contains bacteria. Some bacteria in plaque are harmless, but some are harmful for the health of your gums.

If you do not remove plaque from your teeth by brushing them regularly, it builds up, particularly under the gum line and hardens into tartar, which becomes more difficult to remove. Tartar can irritate your gums and lead to redness with bleeding, swelling and soreness.

Gingivitis can be prevented and often managed with a good oral hygiene regime. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day, rinse daily with an antibacterial mouthwash, and see your dentist regularly.

During your routine reviews and dental hygiene visits at Hindhead Dental Practice we will address any early signs of gum disease, giving your teeth a thorough clean and remove any hardened plaque (tartar). We will also show you how to clean your teeth effectively to help prevent plaque building up in the future.

If you have an increased risk of developing gum problems (for example, you smoke or have diabetes), you may be advised to visit Hindhead Dental Practice more often so your teeth and gums can be closely monitored.

Periodontitis

If you don't take care of your gingivitis in its early stages, it can lead to a more progressive form of gum disease known as periodontal disease or periodontitis.

At this stage the original plaque build up has developed into a harder, more damaging substance known as tartar. Tartar is difficult to remove, hides under the gum line and contains more harmful bacteria. If tartar is not effectively removed, bacteria will develop further and start to damage the soft tissue around the gums, creating pockets between the gumline and the teeth. Once these pockets are formed, it becomes increasingly difficult to manage the disease as they create hard to reach areas for bacteria to continue to develop.

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that, without treatment, can eventually destroy the bone that supports your teeth, leading to loose teeth or even tooth loss.

There are wider health risks associated with periodontitis too. The bacteria responsible for periodontitis can enter your bloodstream through gum tissue, possibly affecting other parts of your body. For example, periodontitis is linked with respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease and problems controlling blood sugar in diabetes.

Signs of Periodontitis include:

  • Gums bleed easily
  • Red, swollen, tender gums
  • Gums pull away from the base of your teeth
  • Bad breath and/or bad taste in your mouth

If you have Periodontitis you will need to regularly see the Hindhead Dental Practice dental and hygiene team to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums and manage the condition. In some cases, surgery may need to be carried out, usually performed by a dental specialist in gum problems (periodontist).

When to see your dentist or hygienist

If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, you should discuss this with your Hindhead Dental Practice dentist or hygienist at your next review. If, however you are suffering from painful, swollen gums, don’t wait for your next review. Give us a call on 01428 605802 as soon as possible to get it checked out.

Our dentist and/or hygienist will carry out a thorough dental examination to check the health of your gums. In some cases, a number of X-rays may be needed to check the condition of your teeth and jaw bone.

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Hindhead Dental Practice. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

Patient reviews

590 Reviews

5.0

7th December 2024

Very kind and clear about what was going to take place

5th December 2024

Although I was late due to a traffic accident my clinician saw me on arrival and dealt with a cracked tooth.

4th December 2024

Extremely professional practice and staff members. Would highly recommend this practice .

4th December 2024

I have been coming to this dental surgery for a number of years . Both dentist and hygienist are very professional and I have always had excellent treatment and experience. I wouldn’t go anywhere else !

4th December 2024

Because everything works so well

4th December 2024

I ihave always gone to Hindhead since I moved here over forty years ago. Mr Ellis is a wonderful dentist and I dread the day he retires. I never feel any pain when he is treating me, and I almost enjoy it. He is extremely pleasant and fun to be with and his staff are all terrific. I have no desire to go anywhere else.

28th November 2024

Excellent service

22nd November 2024

I have been a patient for many years and have always had a good outcome. I travel for 45 minutes to go there, probably passing many other dentists on the way, but I never mind the journey as I know I will have a good experience.

16th November 2024

Paul has been looking after me for over 30 years,and I will be DEVASTATED when he eventually retires !!Sasha always does an excellent job on Reception too.

13th November 2024

A very quick visit scheduled for a pain relief extraction . I was most impressed.

7th November 2024

Cannot fault the service from all involved

6th November 2024

Very professional, respectful and polite

DC

David Cable

Excellent service all around from effiecient reception to caring dentistry

5th November 2024

Treatment plan was well explained. Confidence in the dentist, given that it was an unscheduled extraction, that is important. The dental assistant was also very reassuring. All in all, the team recognize that it is a nerve wracking experience and they worked well to make things as relaxed as possible ............... given there is a pair of pliers in your mouth, it really helps!

5th November 2024

Very professional. What was very pleasing was that Paul had communicated the results of my visit to the hygienist today so she was fully aware that I had some sensitivity. So, I didn’t need to explain anything and it was very reassuring how joined up the team is. The whole team works really well; the receptionist is lovely and efficient; Paul installs confidence and the hygienist team is also first class.

5th November 2024

The clinician's friendly, calm and gentle demeanour.

31st October 2024

Staff are always friendly,Efficient and appointments always on time

25th October 2024

Many years of excellent dental care.

24th October 2024

The whole experience was relaxed, friendly and very efficient

24th October 2024

Very friendly and supportive staff. Efficient treatment

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