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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 The Mayhill Dental and Specialist Centre 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 01600 712020 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 The Mayhill Dental and Specialist Centre 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 The Mayhill Dental and Specialist Centre 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 The Mayhill Dental and Specialist Centre 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 The Mayhill Dental and Specialist Centre 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 01600 712020 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 The Mayhill Dental and Specialist Centre. 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

890 Reviews

5.0
GN

Gareth Noble

Lovely warm welcome at reception. Dentist and assistants were welcoming friendly and took the time to talk to me clearly and effectively

18th October 2025

Very professional service from every body. Great reception. Great care ans treatment from Ryan and assistant. Thanks you.

18th October 2025

The dentist answered my questions. Was kind and comforting. Extremely gentle. Explained everything fully.

12th October 2025

Ryan the dentist was superb, I was nervous but he put me at ease straight away. Talking me through every stage and making sure I was okay all the way through. He was fabulous, also the nurse attending was wonderful too.

11th October 2025

Feel confident in the dental work and experience of all staff. Feel I can trust all the advice.

10th October 2025

Fully explain all my options, and confident in their advice and treatment. Lovely clean practice comfortable waiting room. Everyone at the practice is polite and helpful.

9th October 2025

Professional, skilled, great personal care, information about next steps to improve my own health care. Great customer care skills from reception. Only negative is difficulty parking.

8th October 2025

Totally professional and friendly throughout. Very pleasant facilities.

7th October 2025

Very competent staff, trusted in their knowledge.

6th October 2025

very professional, excellent care

5th October 2025

The overall experience and knowledge offered by all I have seen over my few appointments. Trusting a dentist has been hard since I received some bad service elsewhere. Trust if so important to me.

4th October 2025

The reception staff were very welcoming & knowledgeable.The nurses were kind & caring & my dentist was friendly, gentle, knowledgeable & patient..

4th October 2025

Every body there goes above and beyond! My treatment has been second to none! I have been so happy going here!

4th October 2025

The friendliness of all the staff. The manner in which the specialist explained what my problems were and the possible treatments available, and what I could expect after I selected what I believe to be the way forward.

4th October 2025

Courteous, friendly and professional service from all members of the teamComfortable environmentEase of booking and text reminders/confirmations

3rd October 2025

Friendliness and professionalism of Specialist and staff.

3rd October 2025

Everyone is lovely. Things are explained to me and Evie clearly. Although she’s only 14 things are directed to her

3rd October 2025

I have had several appointments cancelled by the clinic . It’s often very difficult for me to reschedule as I need to adjust my work diary to attend . It’s often the case that I can’t be seen reasonably seen after a cancellation because of my difficulties rescheduling when the next appointments are available. After several tries I had to go for a year without seeing my chosen hygienist and have had similar problems scheduling my dentist appointment. Always excellent service and care though

3rd October 2025

Excellent service.

3rd October 2025

Clear explanation of what’s happening, friendly and professional.

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