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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

775 Reviews

5.0

1st July 2025

The treatment was completed at one session.

SD

Stephen Dawson

Very professional , thorough & informative. Jason was also very personable/ stand up guy

26th June 2025

Option of enhanced treatment offered/explained and accepted

26th June 2025

Welcoming at reception and hygienist was outstanding

19th June 2025

Mayhill is an outstanding dental practice.

15th June 2025

Ellen reception always helpful and pleasant.Catherine hygienist excellent. Takes time to explain and does not rush you. Used a new machine today EMS which was a lot less uncomfortable for me.Am considering joining , with my husband the dental Mayhill plan.

15th June 2025

Treatment explained well. Listened to my feedback. Polite and friendly staff

12th June 2025

Caring, professional service.

11th June 2025

I am a nervous patient but dentist totally put me at my ease. He explained everything that he was doing.

11th June 2025

Credit is due for the personal attention, professional service and good humour from Sarah and Holly in the first appointment and for Tracey and Casey in the second appointment. They were of a high order to their personal credit. As I said to Sarah and Tracey while they deserve credit so do Holly and Casey supporting them. They concurred!

11th June 2025

Great staff and service.

11th June 2025

Attention and care cannot be faulted. Compared to my previous experiences at a previous dentist, though less costly, they were poor. Happy to pay the price for the exceptional care at Mayhill on offer.

10th June 2025

My dentist is professional, has time to discuss and explain all options, he gives great feedback is very encouraging on what I need to do and remember ( or does his homework before I arrive ) as Iv had a few problems they have been amazing at working through which makes me feel valued.

10th June 2025

It felt as if nothing was too much trouble for everyone looking after me that morning. The receptionists, dental nurses and both of the dentists. Absolutely wonderful care and loving attention.

7th June 2025

I have built a wonderful rapport with the team at Mayhill. They are extremely knowledgeable, and explain everything very clearly. In the two years I've been there, I have completely transformed my daily brushing routine with the amazing support of Tracy the hygienist, and completely overcome my fear of dental treatment. I was even able to have a tooth extraction performed without sedation, which I never dreamt would be possible, since I was such a nervous patient when I started. Transfering to Mayhill was one of the best decisions I have ever made for my health and wellbeing

6th June 2025

Good consultant and clerical staff.

6th June 2025

Always make you feel welcome , and nothing is to much trouble. X

5th June 2025

I am a nervous patient and I feel I am being looked after very well

5th June 2025

The friendliness and professionalism of the whole team, particularly Jason and Tracy who are excellent.

5th June 2025

The care from David Guppy. He has been superb all the time I have attended

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