What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease — also known as periodontal disease — is an inflammatory condition caused by the build-up of bacterial plaque on and around the teeth. When plaque is not effectively removed through daily brushing and interdental cleaning, it can irritate the gum tissue and trigger an inflammatory response.
In its earliest form, known as gingivitis, the inflammation is confined to the gums and is typically mild. If left unmanaged, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis — a more advanced stage in which the structures supporting the teeth, including the bone, can become affected.
Gum disease is one of the most prevalent oral health conditions in the UK. Because it can develop gradually and without significant pain, many people are unaware they have it until it is identified during a dental examination.
Gingivitis vs Periodontitis
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and involves inflammation of the gum tissue. Common signs include redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing.
At this stage, the supporting bone has not yet been affected. With professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene, gingivitis may improve significantly. However, without intervention, there is a risk of progression to periodontitis.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease in which the infection extends deeper, affecting the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place.
This stage may lead to the formation of periodontal pockets, gum recession, and gradual bone loss. Bone that has been lost cannot typically regenerate on its own, which is why early detection and ongoing professional management are particularly important.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Gum disease can vary considerably in its presentation. Some individuals experience noticeable symptoms early on, while others may have few signs until the condition has progressed.
Bleeding When Brushing or Flossing
Gums that bleed during routine brushing or interdental cleaning are one of the earliest signs of gum inflammation.
Red or Swollen Gums
Healthy gums are typically firm and pale pink. Redness, puffiness, or tenderness may indicate gingivitis or a more advanced stage of gum disease.
Persistent Bad Breath
Ongoing bad breath that does not resolve with brushing may be caused by bacteria accumulating in periodontal pockets below the gumline.
Gum Recession
The gums may gradually recede, making the teeth appear longer and exposing the root surfaces, which can increase sensitivity.
Loose Teeth (Advanced Stages)
In periodontitis, loss of supporting bone may cause teeth to become mobile. This is typically a sign of more advanced disease requiring prompt professional assessment.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
While anyone can develop gum disease, certain factors may increase the likelihood or influence how the condition progresses:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Insufficient brushing and interdental cleaning allows plaque to accumulate along the gumline, increasing the risk of gum inflammation.
Smoking
Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors for gum disease. Smoking can mask symptoms such as bleeding and impair healing after treatment.
Diabetes
Diabetes can affect the body's ability to manage infection and inflammation, making individuals more susceptible to periodontal disease.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause can increase gum sensitivity and susceptibility to inflammation.
Genetic Predisposition
Some individuals may be genetically more susceptible to gum disease, even with good oral hygiene practices.
Irregular Dental Visits
Without regular professional assessment and cleaning, early signs of gum disease may go undetected and untreated.
Why Professional Periodontal Assessment Is Important
Much of the damage caused by gum disease occurs beneath the gumline, where it cannot be seen or felt at home. Periodontal pockets — gaps that develop between the gum and the tooth — can harbour bacteria and are not detectable through self-examination alone.
During a professional periodontal assessment, your dentist or hygienist may carry out periodontal charting, which involves measuring the depth of these pockets around each tooth. This helps determine the extent of any disease and guides treatment planning.
Dental imaging may also be used to assess bone levels around the teeth. Identifying changes at an early stage can reduce the risk of progression and help preserve the structures that support the teeth over the long term.
Professional Treatment and Management
The management of gum disease depends on its severity. Treatment aims to stabilise the condition, reduce inflammation, and support long-term gum health. Your dental team may recommend one or more of the following approaches:
Professional Hygiene (Scale and Polish)
Thorough removal of plaque and calculus (tartar) from above and below the gumline. This aims to reduce bacterial load and may help reduce inflammation.
Periodontal Cleaning Below the Gumline
Also known as root surface debridement, this involves cleaning the root surfaces within deeper periodontal pockets to help stabilise gum attachment.
Personalised Oral Hygiene Instruction
Tailored guidance on brushing technique, interdental cleaning, and use of adjunctive products to support daily plaque control at home.
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular periodontal reviews allow your dental team to track changes in gum health, adjust treatment as needed, and support long-term maintenance.
Referral to Specialist Care
In cases of advanced periodontitis, referral to a specialist periodontist may be recommended for further assessment and management.
Long-term maintenance is an important part of managing gum disease. Even after initial treatment, ongoing professional care and effective daily hygiene are essential to help maintain the results achieved.
Professional Periodontal Assessment
A professional periodontal assessment allows early identification of gum inflammation and enables your dental team to develop a personalised hygiene and periodontal care plan. Whether you have noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or have been told you may be at risk, assessment is the first step toward effective management.
Our dental team provides comprehensive gum disease treatment, including periodontal cleaning and ongoing monitoring. We also offer general dentistry services for routine hygiene and check-ups. If you are experiencing significant swelling or discomfort, our emergency dental assessment service is also available.
Assessment and treatment for gum disease are available at our London clinics. You can attend our South Kensington dental clinic or our City of London clinic near St Paul's for a professional periodontal review.
Can Gum Disease Be Reversed?
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) may improve significantly with professional cleaning and consistent daily oral hygiene. When inflammation is confined to the gum tissue and the supporting bone has not been affected, there is good potential for improvement with appropriate care.
However, once gum disease has progressed to periodontitis and bone loss has occurred, the lost bone cannot typically regenerate on its own. In these cases, the focus of treatment shifts to stabilising the condition, preventing further progression, and maintaining the remaining support around the teeth.
This is why early detection is so valuable — the sooner gum disease is identified, the more effectively it can be managed. Ongoing professional monitoring and a dedicated home care routine are central to long-term gum health.
Preventing Gum Disease
While not all cases of gum disease can be prevented, the following measures can significantly reduce risk and support long-term gum health:
- Brush thoroughly twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, paying particular attention to the gumline
- Clean between teeth daily using interdental brushes or floss to remove plaque from areas a toothbrush cannot reach
- Attend regular dental check-ups so that early signs of gum disease can be identified and managed promptly
- Attend professional hygiene appointments at the frequency recommended by your dental team
- If you smoke, consider seeking support for cessation — your dental team or GP can provide guidance
- Discuss any medical conditions such as diabetes with your dentist, as these may influence gum health
