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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 Oakmead Dental Care 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 01342 325363 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 Oakmead Dental Care 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 Oakmead Dental Care 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 Oakmead Dental Care 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 Oakmead Dental Care 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 01342 325363 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

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The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Oakmead Dental Care. 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…

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Patient reviews

959 Reviews

5.0

15th November 2024

I have always felt I receive the best possible treatment at this practice. I can’t fault it.

15th November 2024

The friendliness of all the staff within the surgery.

15th November 2024

Great team at Oakmead- friendly and professional - take great care of my teeth and are very gentle

13th November 2024

I have always found everyone very friendly within Oakmead Dental Practice. The hours available to book an appointment is highly useful as it suits my availability from outside work. I have attended this practice for 25 to 30 years if my memory serves me right and that speaks volumes.

13th November 2024

The sense of expertise and professionalism displayed by all staff, together with their excellent communication skills and attention to customer care and service.

11th November 2024

I am a nervous patient but Ash always puts me at ease. He explains everything he is doing and stops when I need to. He knows my medical issues and is aware how they may affect the treatment.

9th November 2024

Always efficient and very friendly

9th November 2024

Friendly staff. Easy to book appointments. Good range of treatments available. Location of the practice is good for me. Easy to park at the practice or nearby.

8th November 2024

I have been attending Oakmead for many years…my needs are always met with courtesy and friendliness.

7th November 2024

I am a regular patient at Oakmead but on this occasion was seen as an emergency. The standard of dentistry is excellent. I am always put at my ease and the treatment is as painless as possible.

6th November 2024

Very professional & experienced dentist

6th November 2024

All staff are very polite and friendly

5th November 2024

Professional and friendly

5th November 2024

I needed an emergency appointment for my 6 yr old autistic daughter. Despite the dentist having a full diary, they made time to see us and were very good during the appointment making sure my daughter was ok and her needs met. Full explanation of what was happening and talked her through the xray and then explained what would need to happen going forwards

2nd November 2024

Excellent, friendly, professional service offered by each member of the team!

1st November 2024

All staff are extremely helpful, friendly caring and very professional. I personally feel at ease and comfortable during any treatment I have received,

31st October 2024

Professional, clear explanations, calm and friendly and relaxed

31st October 2024

The attention of the dentist to patient comfort at every stage and his readiness to discuss the treatment that's available without pressure.

31st October 2024

Oakmead is a very friendly and professional practice and truly care about your dental needs. It is a very clean and they really take care of children when they visit, as it can be daunting for anyone who doesn't like visiting the dentist. I would recommend this practice to anyone!

30th October 2024

Friendly staff and hygenist

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