Gum Health · Tower Dental Blackpool

Bleeding Gums
Treatment

Healthy gums do not bleed. If yours bleed when you brush or floss, it is the earliest sign of gum disease — and the easiest stage to treat. Call us before it progresses.

Hygienist from £71. Consultation £40.

Why gums bleed

Bleeding gums are almost always caused by plaque build-up along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth daily. When it is not removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which irritates the gums and causes inflammation — this is gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.

Left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis — a more serious infection that destroys the bone supporting your teeth. At this stage, teeth can become loose and eventually fall out. Bleeding gums are your body telling you something needs attention. The sooner you act, the simpler the treatment.

How we treat it

A professional scale and polish removes the tartar your toothbrush cannot reach. Your hygienist will assess the depth of gum pockets (the gaps between tooth and gum) to determine whether the disease has progressed beyond the surface. For gingivitis, a single cleaning session plus improved home care is usually enough to resolve it within 2–4 weeks.

For periodontitis (advanced gum disease), a course of deep cleaning (root planing) may be needed — this involves cleaning below the gum line under local anaesthetic. Follow-up appointments monitor healing. Our Periodontal Membership Plan (from £25.99/month) includes 4 hygienist visits per year for patients who need ongoing maintenance.

When to call us

Book a hygienist appointment. Do not wait for the bleeding to stop on its own — it will not without professional cleaning. If your gums are swollen, painful, or you notice pus, call for a same-day assessment.