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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 High Street 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 01342 458034 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 High Street 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 High Street 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 High Street 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 High Street 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 01342 458034 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 High Street 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

983 Reviews

5.0

20th November 2024

A friendly, thorough and professional approach.

17th November 2024

Very professional welcoming practice

14th November 2024

All the staff are incredibly friendly and professional

14th November 2024

Great knowledge and expertise. Very friendly

14th November 2024

I trust Jas and his staff - I am been coming to this practice for many years and alway been pleased with the treatment

14th November 2024

I have been a patient at this Dentist for many years and have always found the team to be friendly and helpful. My dentist thoroughly explains all the treatment I receive and treats me with respect. This makes me feel comfortable and confident that my needs are being put first. I have had bad experiences in the past, however since being a patient at High Street I have managed to overcome those anxieties.I would like to say a big thankyou and keep up the good work.

13th November 2024

Dental Surgery is always very helpful. Whatever my appointment is for. Staff excellent.

9th November 2024

Can get appointment when required. Very good standard of care

9th November 2024

check up revealed nerve damage to a tooth - dentist spent a long time testing, doing xray and explaining possible treatments etc

8th November 2024

Attention to detail, pleasant staff, quick appointment.

8th November 2024

Always satisfied after over a decade coming tothis dental practice.

6th November 2024

I feel confident in the treatment that I receive. All the staff are friendly and helpful.Open times are good and the practice has good opening hours over the Christmas period.

2nd November 2024

The staff are extra ordinary in expertise and care

31st October 2024

Friendly, polite, caring, gentle.

31st October 2024

My wife & I have been going to this practice for 50 years & have had excellent service from all the various dental practitioners there over that period.

30th October 2024

Very friendly staff, been visiting for years.

29th October 2024

clear competent treatment

28th October 2024

Fantastic staff, all very professional and knowledgable with a focus on patient needs.

27th October 2024

Everything

26th October 2024

Lovely people working there. All from reception to hygienists to dentists. Great care.

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