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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 Titchfield Dental Health 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 01489 581158 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 Titchfield Dental Health 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 Titchfield Dental Health 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 Titchfield Dental Health 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 Titchfield Dental Health 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 01489 581158 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 Titchfield Dental Health. 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

722 Reviews

5.0
JF

Jayne Fowler

I’m an extremely nervous and anxious patient and the dentists, hygienists and support staff do everything possible to help me stay calm and deliver the treatment I need. Their patience and understanding is outstanding and they care so very much about me. I wouldn’t go anywhere else ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

1st February 2025

Excellent care and service. Very friendly and professional.

1st February 2025

Lovely staff and atmosphere. Put at ease by clinician and dental nurse. Everything very smooth and efficient. Everyone very easy to approach to ask questions and very helpful to get appointments fixed in with work commitments.

SF

S Frejek

A professional and caring service is provided.

PN

Philip Newman

As a new patient I am really impressed by the professionalism, treatment and friendliness of all the staff at the surgery. A wonderfully painless experience

BC

Brian Colmer

My visit to Titchfield Dental Health was absolutely amazing. From ample free parking to professional and very pleasant receptionist, my initial sense was one of happy to be here. Then I met Ann the assistant who explained everything, introduced me to Rick Norton the dentist. She is patient, kind and listens. Explaining every process. Rick was fantastic and took time to explain what was needed and more important didn't hard sell work that could wait. I'm so glad I found Titchfield Dental. Thanks to you all.

JL

James Langrishe

Excellent Private Dental Practice. Full care plans, resulting in good dental health and fast response emergency treatments.

26th January 2025

Anya and the team are very friendly and put me at ease as I am a very nervous patient

25th January 2025

Friendly team.Don’t feel rushedEverything explained

25th January 2025

I am a nervous patient with a bad gag reflex. I am always treated with kindness and respect.

24th January 2025

They listen to me as I suffer with extreme anxiety visiting the dentist

JA

Jessica Ann

I recently changed to Titchfield dental health and I wish I moved sooner! I had Richard as my dentist and Linda as my hygienist - both of them are so friendly, welcoming and put me completely at ease. They were so transparent of everything they were doing and I honestly couldn’t recommend them enough. Thank you so much!

23rd January 2025

Whole team were great

23rd January 2025

Friendly and helpful staff who were considered in adapting the environment to allow me to attend the appointment and remain in my wheelchair.

CG

Christine Galea

I have always had excellent care from this dental practice. Everybody is very friendly and puts you at ease. Dentists, Hygienists, Nurses and reception staff alike.

18th January 2025

Overall experience from the reception staff to the clinicians in the practice is always professional and always very friendly

17th January 2025

Everything this survey asked about! The friendly staff, how nice & clean & uncluttered the reception area is, how professional my dentist is, and my hygienist. It’s easy to get appointments, and move them if needed, Just really nice practice, and while the equipment is very modern & up to date which is brilliant, it’s most definitely the staff that make it so good.

15th January 2025

Each time I visit the staff are amazing and put me at ease.

14th January 2025

The way that every thing was dealt with from start to finish.

13th January 2025

All the team are very friendly and welcoming but also very professional. I'm always made to feel at ease when I attend appointments which makes visiting the dentist something not to be nervous about.Never been any different in all the time I've been a client

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