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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 Hadleigh Dental Surgery 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 01473 823092 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 Hadleigh Dental Surgery 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 Hadleigh Dental Surgery 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 Hadleigh Dental Surgery 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 Hadleigh Dental Surgery 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 01473 823092 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

Laura Bettini

Periodontist

GDC NO. 304831

Felix Amoah

Hygienist

GDC NO. 164799

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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 Hadleigh Dental Surgery. 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

716 Reviews

5.0

28th March 2025

It was lovely to see an existing member of staff on reception as I hadn’t been for many years but she soon put me at ease and made me welcome.The dentist and dental nurse soon reassured me as I said I was a nervous patient but every thing he did was explained to me thoroughly and I had the opportunity to say if I was happy with the treatment plan.

28th March 2025

Everyone was polite , friendly in all departments. The place is clean and welcoming. Everything was explained and easily understood. Very satisfied.

27th March 2025

Always kind and professionalKnows I hate dental treatment and Dentist is considerate of that

27th March 2025

Clean and pleasant surroundings kind staff.

26th March 2025

Friendliness, courtesy combined with total professionalism

26th March 2025

Staff are very polite & professional. Very happy with overall service.

26th March 2025

Quick and efficient. Mr Singh very good

22nd March 2025

expertise

21st March 2025

Caring team & I feel well looked after & have every confidence in any treatments I may be advised to have .

20th March 2025

Excellent care, the dentist listen to my needs, he took his time and explained everything to me and was very thorough, kind and caring. The after care was excellent too.

20th March 2025

Everyone polite, happy, and confident professional, proficient and all exceptional.

20th March 2025

Very friendly, knowledgeable and professional, which made me feel at ease during my checkup

20th March 2025

Excellent service.

19th March 2025

I went for a check up at this appointment and I felt confident that the advice I was given was correct and very professional. One of the most important things as far as I was concerned that after my gums and mouth were examined professionally I felt very assured and confident that there was no cancer etc there.

18th March 2025

Efficient professional service. Very pleasant staff.

18th March 2025

Every member of staff i came into contact with was happy, helpful and courteous. I am always signing their praises to anyone who mentions they need a dentist.

17th March 2025

The dentist explained everything to me, was very pleasant, extraction was very quick.

17th March 2025

Professional and friendly staff at each visit. My concerns listened to and as a patient I was well looked after during my treatments.

15th March 2025

Friendly and excellent service

12th March 2025

I asked questions and was given detailed information

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