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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 St Anne's 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 01273 473189 as soon as possible to get it checked out.

When to see your dentist or hygienist

If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, you should discuss this with your St Anne's 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 01273 473189 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.

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 St Anne's 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 St Anne's Dental Practice more often so your teeth and gums can be closely monitored.

Gum-disease

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 St Anne's 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).

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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 St Anne's 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

739 Reviews

5.0

22nd August 2025

The clinician was warm and friendly, making me feel very comfortable. They explained everything they were doing and alerting me to any changes they saw

19th August 2025

Mia Kowal is very thorough and explains everything well both during and after the examination. She is friendly, kind and welcoming.

12th August 2025

Very professional and pleasant. Thank you to all concerned.

10th August 2025

Very good welcome from receptionist, interesting and attractive environment, excellent welcome as always from my dentist, his work has been effective so I Trust his expertise ( borne out by friends who also attend ). And btw he laughs at my jokes!

10th August 2025

The Clinician is so welcoming, efficient and engaging

8th August 2025

Excellent dentist, one of the best I’ve seen

8th August 2025

Easy to book in, Friendly staff, Clean and Tidy, Not to busy

8th August 2025

I was kept informed throughout the process what was being done, the whole process was to a high standard, great service all round.

8th August 2025

I felt my treatment was thorough and I didn't feel rushed at any point- friendly, pleasant staff

8th August 2025

Professional & courteous.

7th August 2025

New hygienist was thorough and gave lots of good advice. As always, Susan and Jess were brilliant.

7th August 2025

Highly satisfied with eberytjimg100%

6th August 2025

Beautiful team all were very accommodating highly recommended

6th August 2025

All staff were friendly and processional. Nothing seemed too much trouble. All went above and beyond, even practice manager took time to talk me through different options

5th August 2025

This is a response to just one checkup appointment, but the review scores apply to all appointments I've experienced in recent times. From routine inspections to crowns to replacement fillings to extractions the team are without exception incredibly diligent, courteous and friendly, knowledgeable and flexible (sometimes scheduling unexpected appointments at very short notice). I couldn't ask for more from them and have full confidence in their expertise and also their care and attention. I hope they get to see this, as they deserve to feel proud of their work.

3rd August 2025

I’m always greeted with a warm welcome & friendly smile, by the manager and receptionists. The waiting area is immaculate. The dentists & dental nurses are very calming and thorough, and they always talk me through all my options.

31st July 2025

The whole team, from my dentist Dr Brink to the dental nurse to the reception team have been outstanding.Thank you so much!

31st July 2025

See previous answers

24th July 2025

Adam listens you as a patient .Listens to what you want and does what he can to achieve what you’re asking.And completes any task given to him

24th July 2025

Everything went smoothly with no real problems. The appointment had to be changed because my regular hygienist was on holiday and this caused me a little confusion when I got a reminder for the appointment. This was quickly sorted out by a phone call and on further checking found the confusion was my own because I had noted the new time in only one of two places that I recorded the original appointment.

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