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 oral health problems over time.

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

📍 This article supports our Dental Hygienist Homepage for 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 build up 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 on the teeth surface
• Poor brushing or flossing technique – Too aggressive or incorrect angle of brushing / flossing
• 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 can impact gum health

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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. If left untreated, bleeding gums can lead to periodontitis — a serious gum infection that damages soft gum tissue and can destroy the bone supporting your teeth. You could even lose teeth as a result.

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 to address the root causes of bleeding gums.

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 personalised for you.
• Diet & lifestyle advice – To reduce inflammation and improve gum resilience
• Ongoing monitoring – To track your progress and prevent further gum related issues from arising

👉 Learn more – visit our hygienist clinics in London

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🪥 What Happens During A Gum Health Hygiene Appointment?

A typical appointment with a hygienist 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 dental clinics:

Our locations:

1. Waterloo – Near Southwark, The Cut & London Bridge

2. Marble Arch – Steps from Oxford Street and Hyde Park

• No referral needed to see the hygienist directly
• Experienced hygienists
• Private scale & polish just £85
• Evening and weekend appointments available for busy office professionals

📞 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 between the two:

NHS:

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

Private (Whites Dental):

• Direct access — no dentist referral needed to see the hygienist
• Longer, more personalised hygiene 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 typically)
• Use gentle circular motions — don’t scrub your teeth.
• Floss or use interdental brushes daily
• Avoid sugary snacks and acidic drinks where possible
• 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 your teeth 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 if you spot blood while brushing.

❓ Can I book a hygienist without seeing a dentist?

Yes. At Whites Dental, you can book directly with a hygienist — no referral from the dentist 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 care.

❓ 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

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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
• Bad Breath? How A Dental Hygienist Can Help You Treat Halitosis
• Gum Disease: Early Signs & How A Hygienist Can Prevent It
• Private Vs NHS Hygienist – What’s The Difference?