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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 Oakmead Dental Care 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 01342 325363 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 Oakmead Dental Care 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 Oakmead Dental Care 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 Oakmead Dental Care 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 Oakmead Dental Care 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 01342 325363 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 Oakmead Dental Care. 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…

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Patient reviews

1064 Reviews

5.0

28th April 2025

I have been seeing Mr Paul Cassidy for many years. He knows what I need!

27th April 2025

The dentist, Paul is excellent. I’ve been to a few dentists in the past and Paul is my favourite.

26th April 2025

Everyone is so kind and friendly, reassuring and patient. Thank you all!

26th April 2025

Disabled and team very helpful and ensured safety throughout visit

JO

Jax O'Sullivan

I always feel in safe hands, whether it’s for a general check-up, hygienist appointment or something else. You never feel rushed and from the moment you check in at the reception desk to seeing the dentist, the whole experience is calm and very pleasant. In my opinion, Oakmead Dental Care is the best.

26th April 2025

The staff in general, especially Mr Paul Cassidy (a most accomplished and caring a dentist) whom I look forward to greeting as a friend every six months. He does nothing unnecessary, and explains every procedure.

25th April 2025

Friendly, professional staff

24th April 2025

Friendly staff and the hygienist explained everything she was doing and constantly checked that I was ok.

24th April 2025

A very pleasant dental surgery with competent staff

24th April 2025

Seen on time, good outcome to visit and follow up treatment agreed.

23rd April 2025

Extremely nervous. Dental nurse was very supportive. Dr Hopkins explained the procedure.

20th April 2025

I needed help as a little brush which I use to clean between my teeth had broken during use and I could not retrieve it.Mr Hopkins kindly saw me and sorted me out!

19th April 2025

Mr cassidy he careing and looks after me I am disabled and he make sure i am okhe looks after all my family

18th April 2025

Paul is exceptionally patient with me. I am a very nervous patient and he, and his team, takes their time and ensures that I feel safe at all my appointments.

18th April 2025

Expertise and professional approach Staff so friendly and never seem overwhelmed

17th April 2025

I was treated courtesly and with respect and was fully informed during my examination of what was going to happen next. I felt assured and was very happy with my treatment.

17th April 2025

I had a broken filling which was sorted quickly and efficiently.

17th April 2025

Everyone very professional and friendly.. only criticism limited parking could’ve been a problem

17th April 2025

Very welcoming and caring

16th April 2025

Everything was done in a most gentle and reassuring manner

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