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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 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

785 Reviews

5.0

13th September 2025

I have been a patient for a few year's and have always Been happy. The staff the staff have always been very friendly and professional.

12th September 2025

I have a fear of dentists and each time I have an appointment I am put at ease and everything is explained to me.I actually don’t mind going now

C

Callum

Cannot recommend this practice enough. Felt very at ease as soon as I walked in. Nice modern reception with friendly reception staff. Dentist and nurses were amazing and the practice manager Sophie was brilliant. Definitely recommend visiting here.

11th September 2025

From start to finish Newcastle under Lyme Dental Practice are professional, courteous and caring. I can’t recommend the whole team highly enough.

9th September 2025

I have been a nervous patient for many years and I feel very relaxed in the surroundings and all the staff make the visit go well. Plus it's good that the waiting room is mostly empty with minimum patients waiting making it less stressful . Past dentists I have been too are overcrowded and a lot more stressful .

6th September 2025

Very caring staff who put you at,ease

4th September 2025

Everybody so friendly and lots of patience with somebody who is nervous but got through all treatment required.

4th September 2025

The receptionist is always amazingly helpful and they always help me, my dentist is absolutely outstanding and I will be staying with her and this team I would not go anywhere else

29th August 2025

Everyone is very helpful and understanding.They explain all your treatment and I find it a very calm place to be and I have a real fear of the dentist but this one is really good at putting you at ease and good with your teeth!!

29th August 2025

The clinician made me feel extremely comfortable and welcome despite my not having been to the dentist in a decade. I explained my needs and felt heard, and validated, especially when I had questions. It made me feel good.

28th August 2025

Im always very pleased with the lovely welcome and kindness shown from both the dentist and hygenist and reception too.....Ive been going for a number of years and been very happy with the whole experience..especialy that i get the same dentist and hygenist who i feel comfortable with.

28th August 2025

The treatment was explained very clearly and my needs were met at all times.

28th August 2025

Great service, reception staff are very helpful and friendly and dental nurses are brilliant. Harry was fantastic with my daughter as he is with the rest of my family.

27th August 2025

Professional set up.well organised and clean.

27th August 2025

Marcus the dentist who carried out the procedure was very curtious and I felt reassured. I was made aware of everything that was happening. I was relaxed undergoing the procedure.

27th August 2025

Caring, kind and happy in their work. Efficient and professional.

27th August 2025

The reception team are always really helpful and I feel comfortable with Marcus. He explains everything that he is doing or going to do.

27th August 2025

Put at ease. Real care is shown to the patient. I used to be terrified of dentists, not anymore!

26th August 2025

Staff are very pleasant - lovely and efficient. Explain well. A comfortable experience. Premises are very clean. It was a cold day but it was warm inside the surgery.

DW

debra wilkinson

Very caring and good job

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