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We’re Accepting New Patients!

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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 Durban Dental Centre 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 01892 652377 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 Durban Dental Centre 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 Durban Dental Centre 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 Durban Dental Centre 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 Durban Dental Centre 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 01892 652377 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.

Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

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

862 Reviews

5.0
DC

Deborah C

A great dentist. Have tried other dentist closer to home but prefer the Durban. Lovely helpful staff and great Hygenist.

11th August 2025

Mr A Sim and Kirsty were absolutely brilliant attentive and caring

5th August 2025

I have been using this practice for about 30 years and will continue to do so

2nd August 2025

Lovely reception staff tho sometimes quite pressedCheerful and helpful dental nursesNot being rushed through

JP

J Penn

I see Ashley at Durban Dental and he is superb. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him. His knowledge and clinical skills seem top notch. He offers practical and sound advice, without pushing unnecessary treatments. He gives confidence and is calm and patient. I find the whole team welcoming and very professional. Highly recommended.

31st July 2025

I am a nervous patient but I have every confidence in my dentist. This has changed my whole outlook in coming to the dentist. Also the treatment and results are excellent . The patience and time taken to insure the tooth is smooth after the filling and fits the gap correctly is extraordinary . A very happy patient .

31st July 2025

A very competent dentist who kept me informed throughout the procedure.

18th July 2025

I was experiencing problems with my general health that affected my next step forward with dental treatment. The dentist was extremely understanding and patient coming up with a solution and produced a denture that has been extremely successful.

16th July 2025

Everything was explained as the treatment progressed and I was asked repeatedly if I was okay during the whole process.

10th July 2025

The helpfulness and courtesy of all the staff.

3rd July 2025

All the staff were very kind and helpful.

29th June 2025

Very professional

27th June 2025

...

27th June 2025

Courteous, professional, understanding treatment.

10th June 2025

Since being referred to Ashley Sim for the making of a denture, he has been super efficient and kindness itself. Dentists are not my favourite people due to past experiences and all the staff at Durbans have been very understanding.

KL

Katrina Levett

I can't thank Dr Ruth, Dental Nurse EJ and Hygienist Anda enough for their kindness, care and compassion, following my recent extensive dental treatment. I can now smile with confidence. I would highly recommend each of them, and I feel I have found the perfect practice for me. Thank you so much.

KK

Kirsty Kirkness-O'Boyle

Saw Dr Ruth and dental nurse EJ, fantastic and calm service. Kids felt relaxed and well looked after. Their patient is their main priority and they are focussed on well being.

31st May 2025

I am a nervous patient and my dentist explained the procedure for me and gave me the option for him to stop if I needed . ..I felt more in control.

IC

Ian Clabby

Friendly and professional. Ruth and E-J are a great team

21st May 2025

Experienced & helpful staff in a very well organised dental practice. Convenient Parking and close to town center.

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