Bleeding Gums Emergency in London
Occasional small amounts of gum bleeding during brushing is usually a sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis) — common and treatable, but not strictly an emergency. Sudden, profuse or persistent bleeding, bleeding after an extraction, or bleeding in patients on blood thinners may need urgent assessment. Rarely, gum bleeding can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Flat £30 emergency assessment fee for everyone. X-rays (£20/image, £10 for members) and onward treatment quoted separately in writing before treatment.
What to Do Right Now
- →Apply firm, continuous pressure with a clean gauze or damp tea bag (the tannins help clotting) for at least 15 minutes — do NOT keep checking.
- →Sit upright; do not lie flat.
- →Avoid hot drinks, rinsing, spitting, smoking and alcohol for the rest of the day.
- →Do not take aspirin for pain (it thins the blood). Paracetamol is safer.
- →If bleeding continues despite 30 minutes of pressure, contact the clinic — or A&E if profuse.
Call 999 or go to A&E
Call 999 or go to A&E if bleeding is heavy, will not stop with 30 minutes of firm pressure, or is accompanied by feeling faint, breathlessness or unusual bruising elsewhere. Patients on blood thinners with uncontrollable bleeding should also seek urgent medical assessment.
How We Treat Bleeding Gums Emergency
Treatment depends on the cause: cleaning and gum disease treatment for gingivitis/periodontitis; local measures (cleaning, packing or suturing) for post-extraction bleeding; review of any blood-thinning medication in conjunction with your GP. We always provide a clear plan in writing before any treatment starts.
Cost & what is included
Emergency assessment is a flat £30 for everyone — this includes the clinical examination and pain triage. X-rays (charged at £20 per image, £10 for members) and any onward treatment are quoted separately and confirmed in writing before treatment goes ahead. We will explain options and prognosis honestly; you are free to take time to decide or to seek a second opinion.
Common Causes
Understanding what has caused the problem helps you take the right next step — and helps us choose the right treatment. The most frequent reasons we see in clinic are:
- •Gingivitis — early gum inflammation from plaque build-up (very common, treatable).
- •Periodontitis — advanced gum disease affecting the bone around teeth.
- •A bleeding extraction socket (usually within 24 hours of extraction).
- •Blood-thinning medication (warfarin, DOACs, antiplatelets).
- •Rarely, an underlying medical condition (e.g. clotting disorder, leukaemia) — assessment will exclude this.
Treatment Costs — Guide Prices
All prices below are guide prices for treatments most commonly needed for this kind of emergency. Your written treatment plan after the assessment will confirm the exact figure for your situation, before any treatment goes ahead. SPMD Dental Membership typically saves 50% on most dental treatments (terms apply).
| Treatment | Standard price | Member price |
|---|---|---|
Emergency dental assessment Flat £30 for everyone — examination + pain triage. | £30 | £30 |
Dental X-ray (per image) Only charged if clinically required. | £20 | £10 |
Hygienist treatment For gum inflammation and bleeding gums. | from £85 | from £42.50 |
Tooth extraction (simple) For non-surgical removal. | from £250 | from £125 |
Emergency assessment is a flat £30 for everyone (this is the standard rate — the membership discount does not apply to the assessment itself). Multi-visit treatments (e.g. root canal + crown) are quoted together so you can see the full cost up front. We never start treatment without your written agreement.
After Your Appointment
You will leave with written aftercare specific to your treatment. As a general guide, the following points apply to most patients seen for this kind of emergency:
- ✓For an extraction socket: bite firmly on damp gauze or a damp tea bag for 30 minutes without checking.
- ✓Sit upright; avoid hot drinks, rinsing, spitting, smoking and alcohol for the rest of the day.
- ✓For gingivitis: brush twice daily with a soft brush, clean between teeth daily, and book a hygienist appointment.
- ✓Do NOT stop blood-thinning medication on your own.
- ✓Contact us if bleeding does not stop after 30 minutes of pressure or if you feel faint.
If anything worries you between appointments, phone the clinic — we would much rather hear from you early than late.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bleeding when brushing always serious?
No — but it always means something. Small amounts when brushing usually indicate gingivitis (early gum disease), which is treatable. Sudden heavy bleeding is a different matter and needs assessment.
I had a tooth out and the socket is still bleeding — what should I do?
Bite firmly on a clean rolled gauze or damp tea bag for 30 minutes without checking. Sit upright. Avoid rinsing, hot drinks, smoking and alcohol. If bleeding does not stop after this, contact us or attend A&E.
I am on a blood thinner — should I stop it?
Do NOT stop blood-thinning medication on your own. Most dental procedures can be done safely without stopping it; current UK guidance (SDCEP) is clear on this. Always discuss with the prescribing doctor.
Can mouthwash stop gum bleeding?
Chlorhexidine mouthwash can reduce bacterial load short-term. It is not a substitute for professional cleaning and proper treatment of the underlying gum disease.
Other Dental Emergencies
Looking for help with something else? See our other emergency dentist pages:
Need to be seen now?
Call the clinic nearest to you. Same-day emergency appointments are subject to clinical availability — we will give you the soonest realistic slot. Out of hours, NHS 111 can also help.
SPMD Medical & Dental is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and our clinicians are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). If at any point you are unhappy with your care, we welcome your feedback. Our complaints procedure is published on our website and a copy is available on request.
