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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

828 Reviews

5.0

17th July 2025

Very efficient, very clean, very friendly and professional. Excellent

17th July 2025

I originally got referred by my Dentist for a root canal procedure. I was extremely nervous ,Mr Singh who did my root canal was amazing put me ant my ease and took his time with me.. It was a long appointment, but the whole experience was a positive one ,I Can’t praise him enough . due to this experience. I’ve now left my old dentist and I’ve registered here. I recently had a check up with equally the same service.

16th July 2025

No problems.

16th July 2025

I don't have much to compare it with, as all my adult dental treatment has been at this surgery, with this dentist, in this room. However, the whole experience is always completely smooth and professional.

13th July 2025

The hygienist and her assistant nurse were amazing. In previous years I have feared hygienist appointments and found them very uncomfortable. Not so here. They were so attentive, I felt listened to and equal. So often I feel talked at by a dentist and feel an unnecessary superiority from them. The team I saw were super, very competent & kind, I felt relaxed and in safe hands, they are the reason why I will return

11th July 2025

The staff were very affectionate, clean premises. First time l have been to a dentist and had my teeth/gums checked and never felt a thing.

10th July 2025

Quick and thorough. No waiting time

10th July 2025

Long term patient and always looked after very well

10th July 2025

A very professional experience

9th July 2025

I just feel that the dentist knows exactly what is needed and deals with it regarding my teeth

9th July 2025

Mr Wilson is so clever and nice

9th July 2025

Obviously very highly qualified advice given in an unhurried manner without any pressure

8th July 2025

Everything runs like clockwork. I particularly value the telephone reminder 24 hours in advance to ensure I don’t miss an appointment.

8th July 2025

New patient, impressed with both dentist & hygenist - receptionists a bit cold but otherwise everything was excellent.

6th July 2025

I am very nervous at dentist and the whole team dental surgeon anesthesiologist and nurse all put me at my ease and were very patient.

4th July 2025

Caring clinicians, good bedside manner, professional.

4th July 2025

Efficiency, instruction and explanation, friendly staff, proffessional

4th July 2025

Care shown by all staff

4th July 2025

Always good and all questions answers.Very professional at all times.

3rd July 2025

Cared for better than other dentists I have been to,meet with my all my needs

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