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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

191 Reviews

5.0

6th December 2024

Never had any sort of problem with the practice. Polite and friendly staff. The only downside it is becoming expensive for treatment.

4th December 2024

I love my dentist because he knows I'm a nervous patient and he's so kind

3rd December 2024

The whole team is great from the moment of initial contact to signing off treatment. I am on a dental plan so the routine preventative treatments are covered. I always feel reassured and as a nervous patient, more relaxed

1st December 2024

This was an emergency appointment for a lost filling and I was seen very quickly..only one day after I rang

29th November 2024

Dental surgery near to home.All staff friendly

26th November 2024

Faith in my dentist & friendly staff

25th November 2024

Quick, efficient, friendly service.. thorough in all treatments..

24th November 2024

Good standard of dental care from dentist and hygienists.

23rd November 2024

Great receptionist also dental nurse and dentist

22nd November 2024

Friendly efficient and kind staff

SL

Stephen Langley

Great Dental practice where I attend for the last 8 years. All the colleagues are a asset to the practise especially Brais dentist and Sarah hygienist. Keep the standard high.

22nd November 2024

Having moved to King's Lynn from Plymouth 8 years ago. Lynn Road Dental that I have used. Having worked at South West Dental training schools. Their staff are a asset to the practice. Especially Brais dentist and Sarah hygienist.

21st November 2024

High confidence with the dentists ability and her friendly relaxing nature.

18th November 2024

all staff polite and friendly , all information regarding treatment explained well

12th November 2024

Welcoming, put at ease

8th November 2024

Clinician who undertake their work in a professional and friendly manner

7th November 2024

Very good reception staff and the clinician and assistant was very helpful

7th November 2024

They are very understanding and Debbie is so gentle as a Hiegene person and put you at ease

3rd November 2024

Excellent service from all from start to finish

31st October 2024

All staff always very helpful and welcoming

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