Bleeding Gums When Brushing? Here’s Why You Should See a Hygienist

Have you noticed blood in your sink after brushing / flossing your teeth lately?

While many people dismiss this as harmless, bleeding gums are often an early sign of gum disease — and ignoring it can lead to serious dental problems over time.

In this guide, we’ll explore what causes bleeding gums, why it’s a warning sign, and why seeing a dental hygienist London (like at Whites Dental) is one of the best things you can do to protect your teeth and smile.

📍 This article supports our main page: Dental Hygienist in London – Whites Dental
Clinics in London Waterloo and Marble Arch

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❓ Why Are My Gums Bleeding When I Brush?

Bleeding gums are most commonly caused by plaque buildup and gum inflammation (gingivitis), which occurs when plaque isn’t fully removed by brushing and flossing.

🔍 Common causes of bleeding gums:

🦠 Gingivitis – Early-stage gum disease caused by plaque build up
🪥 Poor brushing or flossing technique – Too aggressive or incorrect angle
🚬 Smoking – Reduces your blood flow and masks initial signs of gum related issues
🩺 Hormonal changes – Pregnancy or puberty can increase gum sensitivity
🍩 Poor diet – Lack of vitamin C or calcium affects gum health
🧬 Medical conditions – Such as diabetes, leukaemia, or clotting disorders

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⚠️ Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Bleeding Gums

While it might seem minor, bleeding gums are usually your body’s way of saying something isn’t right.

Left untreated, bleeding gums can lead to periodontitis — a serious gum infection that damages soft tissue and can destroy the bone supporting your teeth.

🛑 Risks of ignoring bleeding gums:

• Gum recession
• Persistent bad breath
• Tooth mobility or tooth loss
• Jawbone deterioration
• Increased risk of heart disease and diabetes complications

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👩‍⚕️ How A Dental Hygienist Can Help

If your gums are bleeding when brushing or flossing, the first professional you should see is a dental hygienist. At Whites Dental, our hygienists offer preventive care, expert cleaning, and gum disease advice.

✅ What your hygienist will do:

🧼 Professional scale & polish – Removes plaque and tartar build up
🔬 Gum health assessment – Checks for inflammation or deep pockets
📚 Oral hygiene coaching – Tailored brushing and flossing tips
💬 Diet & lifestyle advice – To reduce inflammation and improve gum resilience
🩹 Ongoing monitoring – To track your progress and prevent further issues

👉 Learn more: Visit our Dental Hygienist London page

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🪥 What Happens During A Gum Health Hygiene Appointment?

A typical appointment at Whites Dental in London includes:

🧾 Step-by-Step:

1. Initial consultation & gum health check
2. Scale & polish – Removes plaque/tartar causing gum irritation
3. Polish & stain removal
4. Personalised gum care plan
5. Preventive advice & education

Appointments are gentle, thorough, and tailored to your gum health needs.

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📍 Where Can I Get Treatment For Bleeding Gums In London?

At Whites Dental, we offer expert hygiene care for bleeding gums from two easily accessible Central London clinics:

📌 Our locations:

• Waterloo – Near Southwark, The Cut & London Bridge
• Marble Arch – Steps from Oxford Street and Hyde Park

✅ No referral needed
✅ Experienced hygienists
✅ Private scale & polish just £85
✅ Evening and weekend appointments available

📞 Call now or 👉 Book Online via our appointments page

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🏥 NHS Vs. Private Hygienist For Bleeding Gums In London

Many patients ask if they should go NHS or private. Here’s a comparison:

NHS:

• May require referral
• Shorter appointments
• Long waiting lists in central London

Private (Whites Dental):

• Direct access — no dentist referral needed
• Longer, more personalised sessions
• More advanced hygiene tools
• Immediate availability
• Better aftercare and follow-up

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🧠 Preventing Bleeding Gums: Tips From Our Hygienists

Our London hygienists recommend a few simple steps to keep your gums healthy:

🪥 Daily habits:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (2 minutes)
• Use gentle circular motions — don’t scrub!
• Floss or use interdental brushes daily
• Avoid sugary snacks and acidic drinks
• Quit smoking — it slows healing and worsens gum disease
• Rinse your mouth with an alcohol free mouthwash (anti-bacterial) (if advised)

💡 Bonus: Use an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor to avoid brushing too hard.

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🤔 FAQs – Bleeding Gums & Hygienist Visits

❓ Is it normal for gums to bleed occasionally?

Bleeding isn’t normal — even a little blood may signal gingivitis. See a hygienist for an assessment.

❓ Can I book a hygienist without seeing a dentist?

Yes. At Whites Dental, you can book directly with a hygienist — no referral or check-up needed.

❓ Will a scale and polish stop my gums from bleeding?

Yes, in most cases. Removing tartar and bacteria allows gums to heal and stop bleeding with improved hygiene.

❓ Is treatment painful?

No — our hygienists use a gentle, caring approach, especially for sensitive gums.

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🗓️ Ready To Treat Bleeding Gums In London?

Bleeding gums are not something to ignore — and early treatment can prevent long-term damage. At Whites Dental, our expert hygienists offer personalised, gentle care to treat and prevent gum issues.

📍 Visit us at London Waterloo or Marble Arch
🦷 Private appointments with no referral needed
✅ Friendly, expert hygienists
🗓️ Same-day availability, including Saturdays

👉 Book Your Hygienist Appointment Now

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🔗 Related Articles

• How Often Should You Visit A Dental Hygienist?
• Scale And Polish: What To Expect And Why It Matters
• Bleeding Gums When Brushing? Here’s Why You Should See a Hygienist