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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

734 Reviews

5.0

24th April 2025

Everyone is so professional and kind.Always got time for a chat.

23rd April 2025

Friendly , efficient service and treatment from all staff both clinical and clerical.

22nd April 2025

The atmosphere is professional but relaxed. Everything is explained or discussed in a clear way and I always feel that I know what is happening with my teeth.

21st April 2025

Efficient and courteous

17th April 2025

The hygienist was professional, friendly and very efficient.

16th April 2025

Friendly staff, very clean, hygienist was very nice and listened to my concerns. Didn't have to wait very long for my appointment

9th April 2025

I have been a patient for many years and my experience at the surgery has always been excellent. I have no reason to not be anything other than highly satisfied.

8th April 2025

Professional service, friendly staff and very clean surroundings

5th April 2025

Very experienced and friendly staff. Very clearly explained options and always happy to answer all questions or concerns.

4th April 2025

Fantastic staff, good prices, I feel very looked after when I visit. Lovely and clean.

3rd April 2025

Professional staff. Courteous and calm.

3rd April 2025

I rang on Monday, explained my problem and that I was away but back on Wednesday . Within an hour the reception team rang offering appointment on Wednesday .

3rd April 2025

Great staff with time to listen. Receptionist was very pleasant, I was well received and shown where to wait (I hadn’t seen the hygienist before). My treatment was thorough and well explained. I would highly recommend the surgery

3rd April 2025

Professional, friendly and great services.

3rd April 2025

All concerned were very helpful, being a long standing patient made even more so

2nd April 2025

Mr Wilson is professional and efficient

2nd April 2025

Always highly satisfied with Mr. Wilson.

29th March 2025

The whole appointment was dealt with ease.

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.

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