Bleeding gums when you brush or floss are usually a sign of early gum disease (gingivitis), caused by plaque along the gum line. Keep brushing gently and clean between your teeth daily. If bleeding lasts more than two weeks, book a check-up. At Pennington Dental in Kenilworth and Stratford-upon-Avon, your dentist can then refer you to our hygienist (£78.50).
This guide explains the common causes, what you can do at home, when to get checked sooner, and what a hygienist visit involves.
The most common reason is early gum disease, called gingivitis. Plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) builds up along the gum line. If it isn't cleaned away well every day, the gums become red, swollen and tender, and they bleed easily when you brush or floss. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar (calculus), which a toothbrush can't remove.
Other things that can make gums bleed include:
Smoking can hide the warning signs, because it reduces blood flow to the gums. So if you smoke, your gums may bleed less even when gum disease is present.
Gingivitis is common, and with good cleaning at home and professional care it can often be reversed. If it is left, it can develop into periodontitis. This is where the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place are gradually damaged. Signs include gums shrinking back, bad breath that won't go away, a bad taste, and teeth that feel loose or look as if they have moved. Damage from periodontitis can't usually be undone, but it can be managed, which is why catching it early matters. You can read more about the symptoms and treatment of gum disease on the NHS website, and the British Society of Periodontology has 4 steps to improving your gum health.
Gum disease has also been linked with other health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
If your gums still bleed after a couple of weeks of careful cleaning, book a check-up.
Please call us as early in the day as you can if you have:
Go to A&E or call 999 if bleeding won't stop after pressing on it firmly, or if swelling is spreading to your eye or neck or making it hard to breathe or swallow. If we are closed, NHS patients can call NHS 111 for advice.
Bleeding gums can occasionally be linked to a general health problem. See your GP if your gums bleed and you also have unexplained bruising, feel very tired, or keep getting infections.
At Pennington Dental, you will see a dentist for a check-up first, and they can refer you to our hygiene team. Your hygienist will check your gums and talk to you about any bleeding you have noticed. They will then gently clean away plaque and tartar from above and just below the gum line (a scale and polish) and polish away surface staining. Before you leave, they will show you where plaque tends to build up in your mouth and how to clean those areas at home.
Your dentist and hygienist will advise how often you should come. Most patients benefit from two hygiene appointments a year, but if you have gum disease you may need to come more often for a while. Find out more on our dental hygiene page or our Kenilworth hygiene page.
These are our current private fees, the same at Kenilworth and Stratford-upon-Avon. A check-up with a dentist comes before a hygienist visit:
If you would rather spread the cost of your routine care, our Pennington plan includes hygienist visits on every plan except Smile Check. For example, Foundation (£14.90 a month) includes 1 exam and 1 hygienist visit a year, and Complete (£24.87 a month) includes 2 exams and 2 hygienist visits a year. Premier and Signature include 3 or 4 hygienist visits a year and suit patients with gum disease who need more hygiene time. A £15.00 admin fee is collected when you register. You can see every fee on our treatment costs page.
Prices correct at time of publishing (9 November 2026).
No. Keep brushing gently twice a day and cleaning between your teeth. Bleeding from gingivitis often settles as the gums become healthier. If it hasn't improved after a couple of weeks, book a check-up.
Some bleeding is common for the first week or two. If it carries on after that, book a check-up so your dentist can take a look.
Hormone changes around the menopause can make gums more sensitive for some women, and some notice a dry mouth too. Let your dentist know about any changes, and keep up your regular check-ups and hygiene visits.
If your gums are bleeding, we can help. Start by booking a check-up, and your dentist will refer you to our hygienist if you need one. Book an appointment online or call Kenilworth on 01926 863 236 or Stratford-upon-Avon on 01789 205 254. You can find directions on our Kenilworth practice page and our Stratford-upon-Avon practice page.
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Reviewed by Dr Fuz, BDS, BSc, MSc (Restorative Dentistry), GDC 76311. Last reviewed 9 November 2026.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor.
"My son and I have been with Pennington Dental in Kenilworth for a number of years now. They have continually offered an extremely professional service - and I have always felt fully informed and consulted about any work that needs to be done."
If you are looking for a dentist in Kenilworth, or live in the surrounding areas such as Warwick or Leamington Spa there is no better choice
If you are looking for a dentist in Stratford-upon-Avon, or live in the surrounding areas such as Chipping Norton or Shipston-on-Stour there is no better choice
01926 863 236
Pennington Dental Kenilworth
37 High Street
Kenilworth
Warwickshire
CV8 1LY
01789 205 254
Pennington Dental Stratford
Suite A, Elta House
Birmingham Road
Stratford-upon-Avon
CV37 0AQ
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This website was last updated on 02.02.2022 at 16:05
