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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

908 Reviews

5.0

14th September 2025

As always on-time, well informed, extremely clean surroundings and of course very friendly staff.Thank you

KT

Kim Thirlby

I recently visited Hadleigh Dental for the first time and had a wide range of treatment carried out (root canal, cap, filling and extraction). I was treated by Philip Wilson and Gurps Singh and was really impressed with the quality of service provided by them and their assistants. They clearly had excellent technical knowledge and both went to considerable trouble to explain the treatment needed before commencing work and to summarise how it had gone afterwards. I've no hesitation whatever in recommending them!

12th September 2025

I had a range of treatments carried out by two dentists at the same practice, having moved to the practice very recently. They were both exceptionally good at diagnosing what my issues were, explaining exactly what needed to done and carrying out the treatment effectively. As the work was carried out they explained what they were doing and summarised it afterwards. I was particularly impressed that photos were taken at each stage of my root canal treatment and that they were used to help me understand the process afterwards. The dentists' technical competence was evident and their manner reassuring. Highly recommended!

12th September 2025

Good practitioners and environment and can always find a suitable appointment.

12th September 2025

Louisa is the best hygienist I’ve ever had

12th September 2025

Care always given by the dentist, staff and Hygienist. Always explained what is happening and if there are any concerns. Feeling comfortable while having treatment.

12th September 2025

Easy to get to, well presented premises; reception efficient; on time; good care from dentist and hygienist; clear plan for next treatment; easy to make follow up appointments

11th September 2025

I have been with the surgery for 40 years and never have to wait more than a few minutes for my appointment. Everyone there are very nice , efficient and professional.

10th September 2025

I have always been treated with respect and care.

10th September 2025

Mr Wilson has been my dentist for many years and he has seen me through some difficult times. I could not have wished for anyone better.

10th September 2025

Very professional. Easy

10th September 2025

Mr Wilson was very sensitive to my nervousness and low pain threshold! He explained everything and then gave clear instructions in how to use tools to improve dental hygiene.

5th September 2025

Professional and friendly. Lovely environment.

4th September 2025

Was easy to deal with.

3rd September 2025

Always friendly staff and clinician. Kept to time and updated on general dental health as part of the visit.

3rd September 2025

Promptness of appointment keeping, explanation of options, future possible needs, and I've known the clinician for 30 years!

2nd September 2025

All the staff are friendly, polite, helpful and knowledgeable, very easy to deal with and always great service.

30th August 2025

The staff are all fantastic you always get a call the day before to confirm your appointment l would not go anywhere else for my dental treatment.

29th August 2025

The skill and professionalism of Philip Wilson and the high level of service provided by the reception staff.

VS

Vav Scott

I was refered through my own dentist for a filling causing me pain, I needed root canal treatment that the NHS wouldn't touch (the NHS only offered to pull the tooth) Dr Singh saw me for both appointments I had, one for assessment and another for the root canal itself. Him and everyone at the practice from reception to the other Dentists? Dental assistants? were kind, understanding, and on the ball. They took time to explain everything I asked about as well as keeping me up to date outside of my appointments and on what they were doing during my root canal. The place was clean, and tidy too. I am very happy with the treatment I recieved, and could not recommend him and the others here more. Professional all the way through :)

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