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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 Lynn Road Dental Practice 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 01553 767543 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 Lynn Road Dental Practice 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 Lynn Road Dental Practice 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 Lynn Road Dental Practice 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 Lynn Road Dental Practice 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 01553 767543 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

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Lynn Road Dental Practice. 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

265 Reviews

5.0

18th April 2025

Both my child visit khen and have done for a while, but this day my son had some issues which khen helped him we come home and my son was still in pain so i called back and they fitted him back in within an hour and he was sorted out with antibiotics, my son has autism and he loves going to the dentist which I’m quite lucky with as he will only see khen

17th April 2025

It was an emargency appointment as filling fell out in the morning and I was seen in the afternoon.

MB

Mark Brewster

Can't fault Jay, very understanding & explains everything. Recently had a tooth taken out & to my surprise have had no pain or discomfort. Also my hygienist Sarah is brilliant.

15th April 2025

Jay made the patient feel more at ease.Everything clearly explained

10th April 2025

Brice is a great dentist.

6th April 2025

Great Team, excellent service always. Friendly, helpful and understanding staff.

5th April 2025

The hygienist was friendly, she listened to my experience and gave me advice

5th April 2025

I have several health issues which were managed during the appointment.

4th April 2025

All staff always very polite and efficient

3rd April 2025

The dentist is always very kind. I have acid reflux and cannot have the chair very reclined. I have to swallow frequently. He always stops whenever I need to do this. He explains in detail what treatment he recommends and is always kind and considerate.

31st March 2025

A warm welcome from reception staff , cheerful waiting room . Positive approach from the Dentist with constructive advice and encouragement and not least conscientious assistance from Dental Nurse . I have been a patient here for some fifteen years and the practice scores highly in relation to previous experience elsewhere.

31st March 2025

I had a visit to the hygienist who was friendly and I explained that I had to reschedule my appointment because I had a severe attack of neuralgia which meant that I could not attend the original appointment. She was very understanding and advised me of various aids and procedures I could use to help with the hygiene of my teeth and gums

29th March 2025

Khem Joshis is my Dentist, after a bad experience previously with another dentist, Khem has made me less fearful of going. There's no judgement and he makes my visit calm and reassuring.

28th March 2025

The efficient of the reception team, booking the appointment, I think her name was Gemma. The dentist and his nurse was both lovely and kind.

25th March 2025

Very friendly practice. It was the first time I’d seen Mo - he was great.

25th March 2025

After a long period of unsettlement regarding the treatment I had previously received, Mo has given me confidence from the offset to hopefully resolve my tooth pain.

24th March 2025

I'VE BEEN A PATIENT OVER MANY YEARS, NO PROBLEMS, OVER THOSE MANY YEARS, A GREAT SERVICE ALL ROUND

24th March 2025

After having great difficulty finding a dentist after moving to kingslynn and unable to find an NHS dentist I signed up for a treatment plan,I had several problems with my teeth which were quickly sorted out,yes expensive but worth it.

22nd March 2025

Friendly staff .

22nd March 2025

Staff are attentive and listen. Everything runs smoothly. You get a reminder call before your appointment

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