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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 Kingsclere 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 01420 82365 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 Kingsclere 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 Kingsclere 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 Kingsclere 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 Kingsclere 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 01420 82365 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.

Meet the team

Ben Matthews

Dentist

GDC NO. 106008

Preetpal Marjara

Dentist

GDC NO. 283324

Samantha Brummel

Hygiene Therapist

GDC NO. 216365

Michelle Rasmussen

Hygienist

GDC NO. 4913

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Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Kingsclere 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

850 Reviews

5.0

30th November 2024

I felt at ease straight away and had some very helpful advice.

27th November 2024

Easy to book in, started a bit late but very thorough hygiene appointment and the hygienist is very knowledgeable and explains everything well and advice is very helpful on which items to use.Dentist appointment was very straightforward but professional and friendly.

27th November 2024

On-time, efficient, professional and friendly

27th November 2024

The thoroughness of the treatment, compared to previous filling treatment I have had in the past. The time taken to get my teeth smooth & the bite right was very impressive.

25th November 2024

My treatment happened in the way I would expect.

23rd November 2024

Professional care

22nd November 2024

Very friendly professional staff

17th November 2024

Great dental team and hygienist

14th November 2024

I now have a good dentist that I see each time rather than seeing a different person each time like previously

10th November 2024

On time helpful and friendly

8th November 2024

Both the hygienist and dentist listened to my concerns regarding an issue and tailored the treatment I received accordingly. The was hardly any wait to either appointment

7th November 2024

Overall ambiance and professional attitude of all staff is excellent. The whole premises is clean and gives a feeling of care for patients. Well decorated. Staff is welcoming and put patients at ease. Reception staff is polite and efficient.

1st November 2024

I have been a patient with this practice for about 30 to 40 years. I found that the whole experience was much improved. I wasn’t delayed in waiting either for the hygienist who is very polite and very considerate and explained exactly what he was doing, then almost straight away i saw the dentist. He was very polite, gentle and considerate in the mouth, explaining clearly what he was doing and what would need doing.Overall a really great experience

1st November 2024

You are made to feel at ease in a situation which can be challenging.

31st October 2024

Location convenience & professional approach of dentist

31st October 2024

Jay is a perfectionist and is always very charming as well

30th October 2024

Highly Professional and friendly team

25th October 2024

Easy parking opposite, nice surroundings, professional staff

24th October 2024

On time, friendly. Lovely people

24th October 2024

The staff are lovely, very welcoming. It’s very clean and has a good atmosphere.

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