Bleeding gums are one of the most common dental concerns, yet many people dismiss them as normal. If you’ve noticed blood when brushing your teeth or eating, it’s your body’s way of signalling that something isn’t quite right with your oral health.
The most frequent cause of bleeding gums is gingivitis – the early stage of gum disease. This condition affects millions of people across the UK, but the encouraging news is that it’s entirely preventable and reversible with proper care.
At The Briars Dental Centre in Newbury, we regularly meet new patients with bleeding gums, and we’re passionate about helping them understand both the causes and solutions. Your smile means everything to us, which is why we believe in educating our patients about the importance of gum health.
Gingivitis occurs when plaque – a sticky film of bacteria – builds up along your gum line. This bacterial accumulation triggers your body’s immune response, causing inflammation in your gums.
The process typically follows these stages:
Stage 1: Plaque Formation Within hours of cleaning your teeth, bacteria begin forming a biofilm on your tooth surfaces. If not removed within 24-48 hours, this soft plaque hardens into tartar.
Stage 2: Bacterial Growth The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that irritate your gum tissue. Your gums respond by becoming inflamed, swollen, and tender.
Stage 3: Bleeding Begins As inflammation increases, your gums become more fragile and prone to bleeding, especially during brushing or flossing.
Stage 4: Progression Risk Without intervention, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease.
Beyond bleeding gums, watch for these warning signs:
Ignoring bleeding gums can have serious consequences for both your oral and overall health.
When gingivitis progresses untreated, it becomes periodontitis. This advanced gum disease affects the tissues and bones supporting your teeth, potentially leading to:
Research has established links between gum disease and several serious health conditions:
Cardiovascular Disease Bacteria from infected gums can enter your bloodstream, potentially contributing to heart disease and stroke.
Diabetes Complications Gum disease can make blood sugar control more difficult, whilst diabetes increases the risk of severe gum disease.
Respiratory Issues Bacteria from your mouth can be inhaled into your lungs, potentially causing respiratory infections.
Pregnancy Complications Pregnant women with gum disease may face increased risks of premature birth and low birth weight babies.
The most effective way to prevent bleeding gums is through consistent, proper oral hygiene. Here’s your daily action plan:
Many people brush too aggressively, which can actually cause bleeding gums. Follow these guidelines:
Bleeding gums often occur between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach effectively. Daily flossing or interdental brush use is crucial:
Several lifestyle choices significantly impact gum health:
While home care is essential, professional treatment is crucial for preventing and treating bleeding gums.
At The Briars, our skilled hygienists provide comprehensive care that goes beyond what you can achieve at home:
Professional Cleaning Our hygienists remove hardened tartar that home brushing cannot eliminate. Using advanced techniques and technology, we ensure thorough cleaning whilst maintaining your comfort.
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) We utilise cutting-edge GBT technology, which uses a specialised powder to gently remove biofilm and stains whilst being kind to your teeth and gums. (find out more about GBT here!)
Personalised Advice Our hygienists assess your individual needs and provide tailored advice on improving your home care routine.
For more severe cases of bleeding gums, we offer specialist treatments:
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) This intensive treatment reaches below the gum line to remove bacteria and smooth tooth roots, allowing gums to heal.
Laser Therapy Our Waterlase technology provides gentle, effective treatment for gum disease whilst promoting faster healing.
Specialist Referral When necessary, we can refer you to our specialist periodontists for advanced gum disease treatment.
Our comprehensive maintenance plan ensures your gums stay healthy long-term:
While bleeding gums often resolve with improved home care, certain situations require professional attention:
Contact us promptly if you experience:
Even if your bleeding gums improve, maintain regular dental visits:
When you visit us with concerns about bleeding gums, you can expect:
Comprehensive Assessment We use advanced diagnostic tools and expertise to fully understand your gum health.
Personalised Treatment Plans Our multidisciplinary team creates tailored treatment plans addressing your specific needs and concerns.
Comfortable Experience We understand that dental anxiety is common, especially when dealing with gum problems. Our team ensures your comfort throughout your treatment journey.
Long-term Partnership We’re committed to supporting your ongoing oral health, providing education and preventive care to keep your gums healthy for life.
Bleeding gums are your mouth’s early warning system – don’t ignore the message. With proper care and professional support, you can restore your gum health and maintain it for life.
Remember, healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile and optimal oral health. At The Briars Dental Centre, we’re here to support you every step of the way in achieving and maintaining excellent gum health.
If you’re experiencing bleeding gums or have concerns about your oral health, don’t wait. Contact our friendly team today to schedule a comprehensive assessment. Together, we’ll create a personalised plan to restore your gum health and give you the confident smile you deserve.
Your smile means everything to us – let us help you keep it healthy, beautiful, and bleeding-free.
For further reading about gum disease, check out the British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry’s patient information!
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