Gum disease explained
Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is very common — in the Adult Oral Health Survey 2021, around one in five UK adults said a dental professional had told them they had gum disease, and more than a quarter reported bleeding gums. It develops when plaque and bacteria build up along the gumline, causing inflammation and, if left untreated, damage to the bone that supports your teeth. In its early stages, gum disease is painless and often goes unnoticed — which is why regular check-ups and hygiene visits are so important. The good news is that with the right treatment and home care routine, gum disease can be effectively controlled.
What to look for
Our approach
Treatment depends on the severity of your gum disease. We will assess your gums thoroughly at your appointment and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment.
1
Assessment
We measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth, check for bleeding points and take any necessary X-rays to assess bone levels. This gives us a clear picture of your gum health.
2
Professional cleaning
Our hygienist will carry out a thorough professional clean, removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. For more advanced cases, root surface debridement (deep cleaning) may be recommended. You can read more about our hygiene appointments on our dental hygiene page.
3
Ongoing maintenance
Gum disease requires long-term management. We will provide a personalised home care plan and recommend a monitoring schedule to keep your gums stable.
Your questions
In the early stages, gum disease is usually painless, which is why it often goes undetected without regular check-ups. More advanced stages can cause discomfort, sensitivity or loose teeth.
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed with professional cleaning and improved home care. More advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can be effectively controlled and stabilised, but requires ongoing maintenance.
This depends on the severity of the condition. Some patients need only one or two appointments; others with more advanced disease may need a course of treatment over several visits.
Most gum disease can be managed within our practice. In more complex cases, we may refer you to a periodontal specialist. We will always discuss this with you first.
Fees depend on the extent of treatment required and will be discussed with you following your assessment appointment. Please contact the practice for more information.