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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

716 Reviews

5.0

2nd July 2025

Great welcome from reception, very thorough session at the hygienist,was good to feel relax. Good check up .

2nd July 2025

I've always been nervous and all the staff our lovely and my dentist is brilliant .l've been with this practice for along time and would not go anywhere else we'll done all of you .

1st July 2025

Professionalism and friendliness of ALLthe staff.

27th June 2025

Last minute appointment, but everyone was lovely. Adam explained everything clearly and offered to write me a treatment programme.

25th June 2025

St Anne's has always been a very friendly and comfortable practice, moving with the times but maintaining and improving standards over time.I would readily recommend them to anyone, especially those who, like me, have been largely inattentive to dental care and hygiene from an early age.

25th June 2025

Friendly professional staffRelaxed atmosphere

25th June 2025

Options clearly explained and selected jointly based on best likely outcome.

17th June 2025

Rekah, hygienist, was very professional, explained everything about the procedure. She was very gentle & took time to offer advice when using electric toothbrush. The treatment was excellent & I looked forward to seeing her on my next appointment.

16th June 2025

I was afraid of the dentist from bad childhood experiences until I attended st annes.. I now look forward to seeing my dentist as she always puts me at ease, is respectful and caring. I feel that I am in good hands.

16th June 2025

Excellent treatment.

15th June 2025

Waited only a few minutes to be seen. Dentist chatty and welcoming - remebers things about me. Doesn't do unnecessary treatment. Talks through options. Recptionist efficient and friendly

13th June 2025

The staff are very welcoming and efficient. I get the treatment scheduled and a clear explanation of everything that goes on

13th June 2025

The dentist took time to explain the treatment. I did not get the feeling there was any rush.

12th June 2025

Very professional, efficient and friendly. Highly skilled dentist.

12th June 2025

Friendly with sense of humour.

10th June 2025

Friendly, relaxed and caring

10th June 2025

Care of clinicians. Highly skilled and nice people with it. The process is also very smooth

6th June 2025

the staff are always very helpful and Adam very considerate and explains everything about the procedure and will answer your questions and explain any alternatives if there are any and what you should consider before you make your choice.His bedside manner is just what you what if you have any reservations about dentists.The practice is very lucky to have him.

5th June 2025

Friendly and highly efficient

5th June 2025

Honourable, helpful, competent, professional and kind staff throughout the practice from practice manager, dentist, hygienist, dental nurse to receptionist. The very best practice in Sussex. It is a pleasure to continue to recommend them to family & friends.

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