Bleeding Gum Archives

Gum disease doesn’t happen overnight. It develops gradually — often silently — starting with plaque build-up and potentially progressing to serious bone damage.

Understanding how gum disease starts, the link between plaque and gum disease, and the risk of bone loss from gum disease can help you protect your long-term oral health.

This guide explains the science behind each stage — and why early treatment matters.

Stage 1: Plaque Build-Up – The Beginning of Gum Disease

If you’re wondering how gum disease starts, the answer is plaque.

Plaque is a sticky bacterial biofilm that forms on teeth daily. When it isn’t removed through proper brushing and interdental cleaning:

Bacteria multiply rapidly
Toxins irritate the gum tissue
Inflammation begins at the gumline

At this early stage, the condition is still reversible.

Stage 2: Gingivitis – Early Gum Inflammation

Persistent plaque leads to gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.

Symptoms include:

Bleeding when brushing or flossing
Red or swollen gums
Mild tenderness
Bad breath

Importantly, gingivitis does not cause bone damage and can be reversed with professional cleaning and improved home care.

Read more in our internal guide: Why are my Gums bleeding .

Stage 3: Periodontitis – When Infection Spreads Below the Gums

If gingivitis is left untreated, bacteria spread below the gumline.

This stage is called periodontitis, and it marks the transition from inflammation to structural damage.

During periodontitis:

Gums detach from teeth
Periodontal pockets form
Infection progresses deeper
Tissue begins breaking down

This is where plaque and gum disease become significantly more destructive.

Stage 4: Bone Loss from Gum Disease

One of the most serious consequences of untreated periodontitis is bone loss from gum disease.

Here’s how it happens:

Bacterial infection triggers chronic inflammation
The immune response damages supporting tissues
The jawbone surrounding the teeth begins to deteriorate
Teeth loosen and may eventually fall out

Bone loss is irreversible without advanced intervention — which is why early diagnosis is critical.

The Scientific Link Between Plaque and Gum Disease

The relationship between plaque and gum disease is well-established in dental research.

Plaque bacteria release toxins that:

Stimulate inflammatory chemicals
Destroy connective tissue fibres
Activate bone resorption (bone breakdown)

If plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), it cannot be removed at home and requires professional hygiene treatment.

Risk Factors That Accelerate Progression

You may be at higher risk of developing advanced gum disease if you:

Smoke or vape
Have diabetes
Miss regular hygiene visits
Have a genetic predisposition
Experience chronic stress

Even patients who brush regularly can develop gum disease if interdental cleaning is inadequate.

How to Prevent Gum Disease and Bone Loss

Stopping gum disease early prevents permanent damage.

Daily Prevention

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Clean between teeth using floss or interdental brushes
Attend regular hygiene appointments

Professional Treatment

If pockets or bone loss are detected, periodontal treatment may include:

Deep cleaning (root surface debridement)
Targeted antibacterial therapy
Ongoing maintenance care

Visit our Gum Disease Treatment pillar page to learn about all available options.

Key Takeaway: Early Action Prevents Bone Loss

To summarise:

Plaque forms daily
Gum inflammation begins quietly
Infection spreads below the gumline
Bone loss from gum disease can occur without pain

Understanding how gum disease starts allows you to intervene early — before permanent damage occurs.

Concerned About Bleeding or Swollen Gums?

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen.

Book a professional gum health assessment today and protect your teeth — and the bone that supports them — for the future.

Early treatment is always simpler, less invasive, and more predictable.

Noticing blood when you brush or floss? Many people assume bleeding gums are normal or just a sign of brushing too hard — but in reality, healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding is often an early warning sign that your gums need attention.

At Hammersmith Dental Care, we regularly help patients from Hammersmith and Fulham address bleeding gums early, before they progress into more serious gum disease.

Why Do Gums Bleed?

If you’re wondering why do gums bleed, the most common reasons include:

1. Plaque Build-Up

When plaque isn’t removed effectively, it irritates the gums and causes inflammation. This is the earliest stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis.

2. Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease)

Bleeding gums are often the first noticeable sign of gingivitis. At this stage, the condition is reversible with the right care.

3. Inadequate Brushing or Flossing

Ironically, not flossing enough can cause gums to bleed more. When you first start cleaning between your teeth properly, mild bleeding can occur — but this should improve within 7–10 days.

4. Hormonal Changes or Medical Conditions

Pregnancy, diabetes, and certain medications can increase gum sensitivity and bleeding, making professional gum care even more important.

Why Bleeding Gums Are Not Normal

Bleeding gums are your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right. If left untreated, early gum inflammation can progress into periodontitis, which may lead to:

Persistent bad breath
Gum recession
Loose teeth
Tooth loss

Early action is the key to preventing long-term damage.

Bleeding Gums Treatment: What Actually Works?

Effective bleeding gums treatment focuses on removing plaque, reducing inflammation, and restoring gum health.

At Home:

Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Clean between teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes
Use a dentist-recommended antibacterial mouthwash

Professional Treatment:

Scale and polish to remove hardened plaque (tartar)
Targeted gum therapy if inflammation is more advanced
Ongoing hygiene care plans to keep gums healthy

If your gums continue to bleed after improving your home routine, it’s time to see a dental professional.

When Should You See a Dentist?

You should book an appointment if:

Your gums bleed regularly when brushing or flossing
Bleeding lasts longer than a week
You notice redness, swelling, or tenderness
You have persistent bad breath

Patients searching for bleeding gums Hammersmith often come to us early — and that early step can make all the difference.

How We Help at Hammersmith Dental Care

Our team focuses on early detection and prevention of gum disease. We provide gentle, thorough assessments and personalised treatment plans to stop bleeding gums before they become a bigger problem.

Take Action Early – Your Gums Will Thank You

Bleeding gums are not something to ignore — and they’re not something you just have to “live with.” With the right care, gum health can often be fully restored.

Concerned about bleeding gums?
Book a gum health check at Hammersmith Dental Care today and protect your smile for the long term.

Understanding the Difference

If you’ve been told you may have gum disease, or you’re experiencing bleeding gums or bad breath, you might be wondering:

Do I need a periodontist or a hygienist?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask at Hammersmith Dental Care, and it’s also why searches such as periodontist vs hygienist, gum specialist vs hygienist, and who treats gum disease are so common online.

This guide explains the difference clearly, helping patients across Hammersmith and Fulham understand which professional is right for their gum health.

Why Understanding the Difference Matters

Gum disease often progresses silently. Many patients assume routine hygiene appointments are enough — but once gum disease becomes more advanced, specialist periodontal care may be required to prevent tooth loss and bone damage.

Knowing whether you need a hygienist or a periodontist ensures you receive the right treatment at the right time.

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

A dental hygienist focuses on preventing gum disease and maintaining healthy gums through regular professional care.

A hygienist can help with:

Scale and polish treatments
Removal of plaque and tartar above the gumline
Managing early gum disease (gingivitis)
Reducing bleeding gums
Oral hygiene advice tailored to your needs
Ongoing maintenance following periodontal treatment

Best for:
Patients with healthy gums, mild inflammation, or early-stage gum disease.
Hygiene Services (Hammersmith Dental Care)

What Does a Periodontist Do?

A periodontist is a gum specialist with advanced training in diagnosing and treating moderate to advanced gum disease (periodontitis).

At Hammersmith Dental Care, patients from Hammersmith and Fulham are referred to a periodontist when specialist care is needed to control gum disease and protect long-term oral health.

A periodontist treats:

Advanced gum disease (periodontitis)
Deep gum pockets
Gum recession
Bone loss around teeth
Persistent gum infection
Loose or shifting teeth
Non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatments

Best for:
Patients with ongoing gum problems, deep pockets, or bone loss seen on X-rays.
Periodontist (Gum Specialist)

Periodontist vs Hygienist: What’s the Difference?

Hygienist	Periodontist
Prevents gum disease	Treats advanced gum disease
Routine cleaning	Deep cleaning below the gumline
Treats gingivitis	Treats periodontitis
Maintenance care	Specialist periodontal care
Non-surgical	Non-surgical & surgical treatments

Who Treats Gum Disease?

It depends on how advanced the gum disease is:

Gingivitis (early gum disease):
→ Usually treated by a hygienist
Periodontitis (advanced gum disease):
→ Treated by a periodontist (gum specialist)

Patients often don’t realise they have periodontitis until symptoms worsen — which is why early assessment is so important.

Signs You May Need a Periodontist

You may benefit from seeing a gum specialist if you experience:

Bleeding gums that don’t improve
Persistent bad breath
Receding gums
Loose or shifting teeth
Deep gum pockets
Gum tenderness or swelling
Bone loss identified on X-rays
A history of gum disease

If you’re unsure, a professional gum assessment can determine the most appropriate care.

Do I Need Both a Hygienist and a Periodontist?

In many cases, yes.

A common treatment approach at Hammersmith Dental Care includes:

Specialist treatment with a periodontist
Long-term gum maintenance with a hygienist

This combined approach offers the best protection against gum disease returning.

Book the Right Gum Care

If you’re unsure whether you need a hygienist or a periodontist, our team can guide you with a comprehensive gum health assessment.

We proudly care for patients across Hammersmith and Fulham, helping them protect their gums, teeth, and long-term oral health.

Book a Periodontist Consultation
Book a Hygiene Appointment

Many people assume that all dental problems can be treated by a general dentist — but when it comes to gum disease, gum recession, and bone loss, specialist care can make a crucial difference.

A periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Knowing when to see a gum specialist can help you protect your teeth, avoid unnecessary tooth loss, and improve your long-term oral health.

At Hammersmith Dental Care, our periodontist provides expert-led periodontal care for patients at all stages of gum disease.

What Is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on:

Gum health
Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
Bone loss around teeth
Gum recession
Dental implant health

After qualifying as a dentist, a periodontist completes several additional years of postgraduate training, gaining expertise in advanced diagnostics, non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatments, and long-term maintenance of gum health.

What Does a Periodontist Do?

A periodontist provides specialist care beyond routine dental cleaning.

1. Diagnose Gum Disease Accurately

Periodontists use detailed assessments to detect gum disease early, including:

Measuring gum pocket depths
Assessing bone levels
Identifying inflammation and infection
Evaluating risk factors such as smoking or diabetes

2. Treat Moderate to Advanced Gum Disease

For patients with periodontitis, a periodontist can provide:

Deep cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
Targeted antimicrobial therapy
Specialist periodontal treatment plans
Supportive periodontal maintenance

These treatments aim to stop disease progression and stabilise the gums.

3. Treat Gum Recession

Gum recession can cause sensitivity, aesthetic concerns, and root exposure.
A periodontist can offer:

Non-surgical management
Gum grafting procedures
Treatment to prevent further recession

4. Manage Dental Implants & Peri-Implantitis

Periodontists are experts in the health of tissues around dental implants, including:

Prevention of implant complications
Treatment of peri-implantitis
Long-term implant maintenance

5. Perform Advanced Periodontal Surgery

In more advanced cases, treatment may include:

Regenerative procedures
Surgical periodontal therapy
Bone and tissue preservation techniques

When Should You See a Gum Specialist?

You should consider seeing a periodontist if you notice:

Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Swollen or red gums
Persistent bad breath
Gum recession or teeth looking longer
Loose or shifting teeth
A history of gum disease
Dental implants that feel uncomfortable
You smoke or have diabetes

Early referral to a gum specialist can prevent permanent damage.

Why Specialist Periodontal Care Matters

Gum disease is often painless — but its effects can be serious.

Without specialist treatment, periodontal disease can lead to:

Bone loss
Tooth movement
Tooth loss
Implant failure
Complex and costly treatment

Seeing a periodontist early often means simpler, more comfortable treatment and better long-term results.

Periodontal Care at Hammersmith Dental Care

At Hammersmith Dental Care, our periodontist offers:

✔ Comprehensive gum assessments
✔ Evidence-based periodontal treatment
✔ Personalised maintenance programmes
✔ Long-term gum stability and prevention

We work closely with your general dentist to ensure seamless care.

Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems in the UK — yet many people don’t realise they have it until it becomes serious. Because gum disease often progresses quietly, recognising the early signs can help you protect your teeth, prevent bone loss, and avoid more complex treatment in the future.

At Hammersmith Dental Care, our periodontal team helps patients spot the warning signs early and get the specialist care they need to keep their gums healthy for life.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (periodontal disease) happens when plaque bacteria cause inflammation of the gums.
It begins as gingivitis, and if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis, leading to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.

The sooner gum disease is detected, the easier it is to treat — and the better the long-term outcome for your oral health.

Early Signs of Gum Disease You Should Never Ignore

1- Bleeding Gums

If your gums bleed when brushing, flossing, or eating, it is not normal.
Bleeding is usually the first sign of gum inflammation.

Why it matters:
Bleeding indicates that plaque and bacteria are building up around the gumline, causing irritation and swelling

2- Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums

Healthy gums should be firm and pink.
Redness or puffiness means your immune system is responding to bacteria.

Why it matters:
Swelling is an early indicator of gingivitis and can progress quickly without treatment.

3- Bad Breath That Doesn’t Go Away

Persistent bad breath (halitosis) or an unpleasant taste can be caused by trapped bacteria under the gums.

Why it matters:
Gum infection produces gases that cause odour — a strong sign that harmful bacteria are present.

4- Receding Gums

Your teeth may start to look “longer” as the gums shrink away from the surface.

Why it matters:
Gum recession is often linked to early periodontitis and can expose the roots, causing sensitivity and increasing the risk of tooth loss.

5- Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

When the gums pull back, the root surface becomes exposed, leading to discomfort or sharp sensitivity.

Why it matters:
This is a sign that gum inflammation has already started to damage tissue.

6- Loose Teeth or Changes to Your Bite

In advanced stages, patients may notice movement in their teeth or that their bite feels different.

Why it matters:
This indicates bone loss, which requires urgent periodontal treatment.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Treating gum disease early prevents:

Gum recession
Bone loss
Tooth mobility
Tooth loss
Pain and infection
The need for surgery

Early diagnosis often means treatment can be non-surgical and more comfortable, such as:

Professional deep cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
Hygiene therapy
Targeted periodontal treatment
Home-care guidance to support long-term gum health

At Hammersmith Dental Care, our periodontist provides advanced care for all stages of gum disease, ensuring predictable, long-lasting results.

When to See a Periodontist

You should book a periodontal assessment if you notice:

✔ Ongoing bleeding gums
✔ Bad breath despite cleaning
✔ Gum recession
✔ Loose teeth
✔ A family history of gum disease
✔ You smoke or have diabetes (higher risk)

Our specialist-led team offers comprehensive gum assessments using advanced diagnostic tools

If you’ve ever noticed a little blood in the sink after brushing or flossing, you’re not alone. Bleeding gums are one of the most common early signs that your gums may be irritated or inflamed — and it’s your body’s way of saying, “something isn’t quite right.”

The good news? In most cases, it’s easy to fix when caught early. Let’s look at why gums bleed, what it could mean, and how to stop it before it turns into something more serious.

The Most Common Cause: Gingivitis

The number one reason for bleeding gums is gingivitis — the early stage of gum disease.
It happens when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) builds up along the gumline. When plaque isn’t removed properly, it irritates the gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding.

Common signs of gingivitis:

Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
Puffy, tender gums
Bad breath that won’t go away
A sour taste in your mouth

The best part? Gingivitis is completely reversible with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning from your dentist or hygienist.

When Gum Disease Gets Worse: Periodontitis

If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis.
At this stage, the infection moves deeper and starts to affect the bone and tissues that support your teeth.

Signs of periodontitis:

Receding gums (teeth may look longer)
Persistent bad breath or bad taste
Gums that pull away from your teeth (forming “pockets”)
Loose or shifting teeth
Pain when chewing

Once gum disease reaches this stage, it can’t be fully reversed — but it can be managed with professional treatment and regular care.

Other Possible Reasons for Bleeding Gums

While gum disease is the most common cause, other factors can also contribute:

Brushing too hard or using a stiff-bristled toothbrush
Skipping flossing (causing gums to be tender when you start again)
Vitamin C or K deficiency
Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or menopause)
Certain medications (especially those that cause dry mouth or thin the blood)
Smoking or vaping, which reduces blood flow to the gums
Medical conditions like diabetes

If you’re unsure what’s causing your bleeding gums, it’s always safest to have them checked by your dentist.

How to Stop Gums from Bleeding?

The best way to stop bleeding gums is to treat the cause — not the symptom.
Here’s what you can do starting today:

At Home:

Brush gently twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.
Rinse with water or an antibacterial mouthwash if recommended by your dentist.
Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins C and K (fruits, leafy greens, bell peppers).
Quit smoking or vaping — your gums will thank you!

At the Dentist:

Book a professional cleaning (scaling and polishing) to remove hardened plaque and tartar.
Have your dentist check for gum pockets or early bone loss.
Follow any personalised advice for brushing, flossing, or mouthwash use.

Why Gum Health Matters

Healthy gums aren’t just about keeping your teeth in place — they’re vital for your overall health.
Research shows that gum disease has been linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and low-birth-weight babies.
Keeping your gums healthy supports your whole body.

When to See Your Dentist

You should book an appointment if:

Your gums bleed regularly when brushing or flossing
You notice swelling, redness, or receding gums
You have persistent bad breath or bad taste
Your teeth feel loose or painful
It’s been over 6 months since your last dental visit

Don’t wait until it hurts — gum problems are easiest to treat before they become painful.

Healthy gums = a healthy smile (and a healthier you).