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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 Envisage Dental Ferndown 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 01202 871488 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 Envisage Dental Ferndown 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 Envisage Dental Ferndown 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 Envisage Dental Ferndown 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 Envisage Dental Ferndown 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 01202 871488 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.

Meet the team

Sue Walker

Dentist

GDC NO. 64514

Dr. Tom Rowland

Dentist

GDC NO. 279282

Sarah Mussell

Dentist

GDC NO. 251312

Rebecca Jones

Dentist

GDC NO. 81893

Ibrahim Karakus

Dentist

GDC NO. 211372

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Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Envisage Dental Ferndown. 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

1366 Reviews

5.0

17th August 2025

All the staff are always professional and friendly. Thanks

15th August 2025

Friendly and professional care.

14th August 2025

Suggestions regarding dental care made by the dental hygienist have been very beneficial.

14th August 2025

Sarah offered to get me a referral to a specialist for my neuralgia which she did and I saw him a week after my dental appointment and he was great. He is going to arrange an MRI scan in 2-3 weeks and said that my medication was wrong, so I can only thank her for getting the ball in motion. My doctor appears to have failed me for the past 7 months so hopefully I get my problem sorted. Thank you Sarah again.

13th August 2025

We arrived early due to bus times and were lucky to be seen early.

12th August 2025

I find the staff very professional and helpful. I felt completely at ease during my appointment and was made to feel safe and in good hands. Thank you!

12th August 2025

I saw Olga the Hygienist, she was absolutely first class and has reinstated good feelings about visiting a hygienist. Thankyou so much

12th August 2025

The dentist is excellent as always, but I was also really impressed with Olga the hygienist, she went out of her way to help me with my condition. She was extremely caring and helpful

12th August 2025

The Dental Hygenist was the best I've ever had at Envisage. I hope she is permanent and not standing in for holidays.

12th August 2025

I have always seen Sue Walker since she started at the practice. She understands my needs and is able to reassure me of what is being done. I am an extremely nervous patient and she puts me at ease by explaining everything to me as we go along. She is a wonderful asset to the practice.

11th August 2025

My Dentist explained everything clearly and was very professional

9th August 2025

Very friendly but professional staff with wonderful care and treatment

9th August 2025

Sarah (dentist) gave me some excellent guidance on to manage a gum problem which was very effective. She also listened to what I had to say. The hygienist was also very helpful and I felt like the treatment was value for money

8th August 2025

It is a friendly and helpful practice where your name and particulars are remembered. Very accommodating for more urgent issues should they arise. Feels very professional.

8th August 2025

The reception staff were really friendly and very helpful. Ibrahim Karakus informed me as to what he was going to do before my extraction and made me feel at ease throughout. He was very gentle and completed this rather tricky procedure successfully. I am more than pleased and totally confident in returning in the future.

8th August 2025

I always feel confident and relaxed about the treatment I receive.Staff throughout are friendly and not intimidating in any way.

MD

Maddie Dalton

Tom is the go toooo! Makes you feel at ease and gives you your dream smile ! Thank you so much :) !

7th August 2025

I am a very nervous patient. All staff are patient understanding and reassuring

7th August 2025

Very professional staff, very competent and friendly

6th August 2025

Very competent very friendly very helpful

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