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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 Hindhead 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 01428 605802 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 Hindhead 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 Hindhead 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 Hindhead 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 Hindhead 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 01428 605802 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 Hindhead 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

640 Reviews

5.0

17th April 2025

All the staff are friendly and professional. They explain the treatment and offer helpful advice.

16th April 2025

Very efficient and professional staff and excellent treatment

VT

Valerie Trevan

I was seeing the hygienist, Julie - she, and her kind assistant were welcoming and friendly and helped to ease my nerves - Julie explained what she was going to do - she was as gentle as possible and went out of her way to ensure that I was coping okay - she also gave a lot of information regarding ongoing care of my teeth and gums both at the practice and my input at home - perhaps next time I won’t be as anxious.

11th April 2025

This is the best dental surgery ever.

11th April 2025

Very friendly efficient staff who know what they are doing.Very clean clinic and easy to park

RD

Rod D

Always first class service.

9th April 2025

this is a highly professional practice with excellent practitioners. I have been having significant dental work and I’ve been talked through every step. I would highly recommend this practice, especially if like me you’re not a fan of Dentist!

NS

Nick Stewart

Excellent dentist practice run brilliantly by Paul and all the team. Great family and friendly service

LM

Lucinda Mueller

Great with the kids, thorough and friendly.

CN

Caroline Nash

Declan is brilliant, makes me feel at ease and explains everything clearly. Feel so comfortable at this practice.

JD

Jonathan Dracott

On time friendly service Great care

4th April 2025

The service is excellent from arranging the appointment to being seen. Highly professional, polite and approachable. Always smiling and sociable.

PW

Paul Waby

Fantastic quality care I have received from the practice for 50 years or so. Paul Ellis and J.B. Julie Hygienist. They have kept my teeth in perfect order in recent years thank you,they have a splendid charming team in support. Paul Waby.

BR

Barry Robinson

As usual the receipnist the dental surgeon and the hygienist are welcoming friendly and highly professional

31st March 2025

I was seen promptly and the cleaning of my teeth went smoothly.

29th March 2025

Mr Ellies and his team always look after me and always help full

DL

Derek Linney

Excellent, as usual

28th March 2025

I have been a patient of the Hindhead Dental Clinic for many years and have always received first class treatment. The staff are easy going, friendly and helpful.

21st March 2025

I HAVE BEEN A PATIENT IN THE CARE CUSTODY AND CONTROL OF MR PAUL ELLIS IT SEEMS FOR THE LAST 30 YEARSHE AND THE TEAM HAVE ALWAYS BEEN VERY PROFESSIONAL IN ALL RESPECTS OF THE DENTAL WORK AND FOR THIS REASON I ALWAYS WILL RETURN TO THEM,

20th March 2025

I always feel well 'looked after' and would never contemplate using any other dental practice for care or treatment

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