Gum Treatment

Gum disease (periodontal disease) affects the tissues supporting your teeth. It ranges from simple gum inflammation (gingivitis) to serious damage to soft tissue and bone (periodontitis). Without treatment, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to other health problems including heart disease and diabetes.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis

The mildest form, causing red, swollen gums that bleed easily. At this stage, damage is reversible with professional treatment and good home care.

Symptoms:

• Red, puffy gums
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Bad breath
• No pain (usually)

Periodontitis

Advanced gum disease where gums pull away from teeth, forming pockets that become infected. Bone and tissue supporting teeth are destroyed.

Symptoms:

• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums (teeth appear longer)
• Loose or separating teeth
• Changes in bite
• Pus between teeth and gums
• Painful chewing

Causes of Gum Disease

Primary cause is plaque buildup, but other factors contribute:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Genetics
• Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause)
• Diabetes
• Medications causing dry mouth
• Stress
• Poor nutrition
• Teeth grinding

Treatment Options

For Gingivitis

Professional Cleaning: Scale and polish removes plaque and tartar. Combined with improved home care, this usually resolves gingivitis completely.

Improved Oral Hygiene:

• Brushing properly twice daily
• Daily flossing
• Antibacterial mouthwash

For Periodontitis

Non-Surgical Treatments

1. Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

The first line of defense against periodontitis. Performed under local anesthesia:

• Scaling: Removes tartar and bacteria from tooth surfaces and below the gum line
• Root planing: Smooths root surfaces, discouraging further bacteria and tartar buildup, and helps gums reattach to teeth

Duration: Usually requires 2-4 appointments

Cost: £400-£800 per quadrant privately; NHS Band 2 (£73.50) if available

2. Antibiotics

May be prescribed to control bacterial infection:

• Antibiotic mouthwash
• Antibiotic gels placed in pockets after deep cleaning
• Oral antibiotics for aggressive or widespread infection
• Antibiotic microspheres (slow-release particles)

Surgical Treatments

For advanced periodontitis not responding to non-surgical treatment:

1. Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction)

Gums are lifted back, tartar is removed from deep pockets, and gum tissue is sutured back in place to fit snugly around teeth, reducing pocket depth.

Cost: £1,000-£3,000 depending on extent

2. Bone Grafts

Uses fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone to replace bone destroyed by gum disease. Helps prevent tooth loss and serves as platform for natural bone regrowth.

3. Soft Tissue Grafts

Reinforces thin gums or fills areas where gums have receded. Tissue is typically taken from the roof of your mouth and stitched to the affected area.

4. Guided Tissue Regeneration

Special biocompatible fabric is placed between bone and gum tissue, preventing unwanted tissue from growing into healing area and allowing bone to regenerate.

5. Bone Surgery (Osseous Surgery)

Smooths shallow craters in bone caused by moderate to advanced bone loss, making it harder for bacteria to collect and grow.

The Treatment Process

Initial Consultation

Comprehensive examination including:

• Visual inspection of gums
• Probing pocket depths (healthy: 1-3mm; disease: 4mm+)
• X-rays to assess bone loss
• Medical history review

Treatment Planning

Based on severity, your dentist recommends appropriate treatment and discusses costs, timeline, and what to expect.

Active Treatment

Treatment is performed according to plan, typically starting with least invasive options.

Maintenance Phase

After initial treatment, regular maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months are crucial to prevent recurrence.

Recovery and Aftercare

After deep cleaning or surgery:

• Gums may be tender and swollen for a few days
• Teeth may be more sensitive
• Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods initially
• Use prescribed mouthwash or pain medication
• Don't smoke (dramatically impairs healing)
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene
• Attend all follow-up appointments

Long-Term Management

Gum disease is chronic and requires ongoing maintenance:

• Professional cleanings every 3-4 months
• Meticulous daily oral hygiene
• Regular periodontal assessments
• Lifestyle modifications (quit smoking, manage diabetes)
• Stress management
• Healthy diet rich in vitamins C and D

Prevention

• Brush twice daily for 2 minutes
• Floss daily
• Use antibacterial mouthwash
• Regular dental check-ups and cleanings
• Don't smoke
• Eat a balanced diet
• Manage stress
• Control diabetes if applicable

Cost and NHS Availability

Basic gum treatment is available on NHS as Band 2 (£73.50). Advanced treatments requiring surgery are typically private or may be available through hospital referral. Private costs range from £400 for deep cleaning per quadrant to £3,000+ for surgical interventions.

Success Rates

With proper treatment and maintenance:

• Gingivitis: Nearly 100% reversible
• Early periodontitis: 85-90% successful at halting progression
• Moderate to severe periodontitis: 60-80% successful, depending on patient compliance

The key to success is early detection and treatment combined with excellent home care and regular professional maintenance. Gum disease is preventable and treatable – don't ignore the warning signs.