Call me back

We’re Accepting New Patients!

Read More Next

Looking for a caring and professional dental practice? We’re excited to welcome new patients to our clinic! Whether you’re due for a check-up, need treatment, or are looking to enhance your smile, our friendly team is here to help.
Contact us today to book your first appointment—we look forward to meeting you!

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

693 Reviews

5.0

17th August 2025

I feel confident that my needs will be met

14th August 2025

The personal touch to patients by all the staff at the practice from walking in the door to leaving at the end of the appointment. In particular the care of Mr Ellis is second to none.

SS

Sandy Seagrove

Julie is always professional and, friendly and excellent at what she does. All the staff were very pleasant and helpful.

9th August 2025

I HAVE BEEN GOING TO HINDHEAD DENTAL CLINIC FOR 10 YEARS AND WOULD NOT GO ANYWHERE ELSE

6th August 2025

I have been going to Paul for over 30 years, he and his team are excellent

2nd August 2025

Always a good experience. I travel from Dorset to see Paul. I think that probably says it all!

31st July 2025

Friendly and efficient service from a team I know very well

29th July 2025

Normal excellent service from the team

CC

Chris C

Always a great level of care and professionalism received from great people.

26th July 2025

Efficient safe pleasant

24th July 2025

Caring, professional, capable and have complete confidence in the care I am given.All members of staff have the same level of understanding and professionalism.

24th July 2025

Very attentive staff comfortable waiting area east to park and very professional service

KD

Keith Driver

Superb staff, well organised, thoughtful and diligent at reception. First class dentistry and dental hygiene. Highly recommended.

JG

Janine Gillard

Always welcoming, professional and caring, aswell as brilliant at what they do.

JE

Jackie E

I have been coming to this practise for 25+ years and the service is the best. Paul Ellis has built up a first class team in this practise, thank you all.

23rd July 2025

All the staff are friendly and professional. Reassuring and efficient.

GD

Glen Davies

Ivan was helpful and considerate as always.

18th July 2025

I would never go anywhere else. I have been going there for over 40 years and Mr Ellis is the best dentist in the world and his team absolutely first rate.

17th July 2025

All the staff and professionals at Hindhead Dental practice are kind helpful and efficient. Very good service. Will recommend to friends.

17th July 2025

The dentists and hygienists make you very relaxed. Receptionist very friendly.

Prev Previous
Next Next