Treating and managing gum disease
Gum disease treatment
Bleeding gums or teeth that feel loose deserve attention, even if they do not hurt. We can assess what is happening and plan treatment to help protect the support around your teeth.
Arrange an assessmentUnderstanding your care
More than a cleaning appointment.
Gum disease begins with inflammation around the teeth. More advanced disease, called periodontitis, affects the tissues and bone that hold teeth in place. Treatment aims to control inflammation and reduce the risk of further damage. It combines professional care with a daily cleaning routine you can maintain, followed by reviews to check how your gums respond.
This may help with
Bleeding, swollen or tender gums
Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
Receding gums or changes in tooth position
Ongoing care after a gum disease diagnosis
What to expect
A treatment plan, followed by ongoing support.
Measure and assess
We examine your gums, measure around the teeth and may take X-rays to assess their support. We discuss your health, cleaning routine and factors that may affect treatment.
Treat the affected areas
Care may involve cleaning beneath the gum line, with local anaesthetic where appropriate. We help you choose practical ways to clean between your teeth and around difficult areas.
Review and maintain
We reassess your gums after treatment and agree ongoing visits according to your needs. If disease remains difficult to control, we will discuss further care or referral.
Common questions
Useful things to know.
Can I have gum disease without pain?
Yes. Gum disease may progress without obvious discomfort. Bleeding, recession, persistent bad breath or teeth moving are reasons to arrange an assessment, rather than waiting for pain.
How is this different from a hygiene visit?
Hygiene visits support cleaning and prevention. Diagnosed gum disease may require more detailed measurements, a course of treatment below the gum line and reassessment. Your plan will reflect the findings, not just a routine appointment interval.
Can gum disease be cured?
Early gum inflammation can often settle with effective cleaning and appropriate care. More advanced disease needs long-term management; controlling it does not automatically restore lost bone or gum support. We will explain the outlook for your teeth.
Will treatment make my teeth sensitive?
Sensitivity can occur after gum treatment, and spaces may become more noticeable as swollen gums settle. We will explain these possibilities and advise on managing symptoms.
What can I do at home?
A consistent cleaning routine is central to treatment. We will show you brushing and between-teeth cleaning methods suited to your mouth. Tell us if something is difficult so we can help you adapt it.
How often will I need ongoing care?
The interval depends on your gum health, response to treatment and risk of further problems. We review it with you rather than recommend the same schedule for everyone.
Will I need specialist care?
Some more complex cases benefit from a specialist assessment. If referral is appropriate, we will explain why and discuss the next steps. Your treatment plan and costs will be explained before care is agreed.