What increases my risk of developing gum disease?

Smoking, diabetes, stress and natural hormonal changes can significantly raise your risk of gum disease. Genetics and age also play a role, but routine hygienist visits help keep these risk factors under control.

What signs and symptoms should I look out for?

Key warning signs include red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath and bleeding during brushing or flossing. In more advanced stages, you may notice receding gums, loose teeth or a change in your bite. Tooth loss can also occur.

Is gum disease reversible?

Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) can be completely reversed with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) causes permanent bone damage, so treatment focuses on stopping further deterioration.

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What is gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by plaque that builds up daily on your teeth. If not thoroughly brushed away, it hardens into tartar and begins to irritate your gums, leading to redness and pain. In some cases, the body’s immune system overreacts to this build-up and causes the tissues and supporting bone to break down.

The initial stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. It causes red, swollen and irritated gums that bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more destructive stage that cannot be reversed. The gums begin to recede, leading to wobbly teeth and even tooth loss. Despite the destructive nature of this process, there may only be mild symptoms even at a late stage.

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How is gum disease treated? - join our practice today!

The easiest way to prevent gum disease is to ensure plaque build-up on your teeth is effectively removed every day. We support your home routine with professional hygiene appointments, delivering a deep clean to remove hard tartar from all hard-to-reach areas.

We are always happy to give you advice for your oral hygiene at home, including guidance on interdental brushing. We can also share lifestyle tips, such as quitting smoking, managing stress, and eating a balanced diet, to help reduce your risk of gum disease.

If your gum disease has progressed into periodontitis, we provide specialist treatments to stabilise your condition and keep your oral health in the best possible condition. These can include root planing, gum grafts and surgical procedures.

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Frequently asked questions

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Gum Disease

Take control of your oral health

What is gum disease?

How is gum disease treated? - join our practice today!

Frequently asked questions