Call me back

We’re Accepting New Patients!

Read More Next

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 Newcastle 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 01782 616178 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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle Dental Practice 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 Newcastle 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).

When to see your dentist or hygienist

If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, you should discuss this with your Newcastle 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 01782 616178 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.

Dental Hygienist

Jenna Foster

Jenna Foster is a powerhouse in dental hygiene and a true champion in the fight against periodontal disease. With unmatched passion and precision, she delivers expert care that’s both thorough and compassionate. Jenna is known for transforming anxious patients into loyal advocates through her gentle approach and deep commitment to gum health. Always learning, always leading, Jenna doesn’t just...

Jenna Foster
Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Newcastle 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

742 Reviews

5.0

27th July 2025

Lovely staff who make you feel at ease and treat you with respect and kindness.

25th July 2025

Staff are great. Dentists and hygienists are caring and are top quality

25th July 2025

Emily and her nurse are very courteous caring and professional

24th July 2025

Lovely place with extremely friendly and helpful staff

24th July 2025

Lovely friendly staff

23rd July 2025

I am a very nervous and frightened patient. The procedure I had today was long an unpleasant for me. However the support I received from Marcus, Molly and also the receptionist was fabulous. It could have turned out to be a lot more traumatic for me if it wasn't for the compassionate and skilled team. Thank you for doing everything you could to put me at ease! I would very much recommend this practise for anyone who is nervous or fearful.

20th July 2025

The clarity of information given, quality of service and friendliness of staff.

20th July 2025

Everyone is polite and helpful. You are put at ease as soon as you enter.

19th July 2025

Efficient, competent and courteous

18th July 2025

The friendliness of the staff

16th July 2025

My appointment was for a check up and cleaning. The dentist advised me that there was a new and less invasive procedure for teeth cleaning which I would find to be much easier to deal with.It took far less time and was far more comfortable than previously. The dentist talked to me all the time and it gave me lots of encouragement and I felt far happier than on past visits for hygiene treatment.I am very happy with my dentist and would definitely recommend him to friends.

10th July 2025

Calming influence of all staff as im a nervous patient

10th July 2025

Being allocated appropriate time for the hygienist to do her work to the highest standard. Dealing with an educated person that properly explains the procedures and my progress towards healthy teeth and gums.

9th July 2025

Reception team are friendly and called the day before to confirm my appointment and discuss treatment options. Claire, who did my appointment, is approachable and explains what my treatment will be. As someone who is a nervous patient, she puts me at ease

9th July 2025

Very friendly, helpful staff. The dentist listened to me & made me feel very at ease. All my questions were answered fully. Cannot rate highly enough. Thank you.

5th July 2025

My experience was really great as I have a fear of the dentist and have health issues so it’s difficult for me but everyone was great as they helped me be calm and get through the appointment.So overall a great experience!

4th July 2025

Friendly

2nd July 2025

-

2nd July 2025

Excellent dentist Chris and Hygienist Simon

SW

Susan Wain

I had a bad experience at another dental practice so didn’t go to see a hygienist for a couple of years .Jen and Casey were amazing ,they understood and I had a pain free experienc and they took their time with me .I came out feeling a different person .I thank them so much .

Prev Previous
Next Next