Gum Disease
Periodontal Care
Gum disease is a common condition affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, typically caused by plaque build-up along the gum line. Early stages may present with mild symptoms, while more advanced stages can affect deeper tissues. Because it may develop gradually and go unnoticed, a professional dental assessment is important to identify the stage and determine appropriate management.
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Understanding the Condition
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease — also known as periodontal disease — is an umbrella term for conditions affecting the gums and the structures that support the teeth. It develops when bacterial plaque along the gum line triggers an inflammatory response, and it ranges from mild and reversible inflammation to more advanced forms involving the deeper supporting tissues.
The earliest stage is gingivitis, where the gums become inflamed but the underlying bone remains intact. If gingivitis is not managed, it can progress to periodontitis — where infection extends below the gum line, affecting the bone and ligaments that hold the teeth in place. Over time, periodontitis can lead to gum recession, tooth mobility and, ultimately, changes in tooth stability.
Because gum disease often develops gradually and with few obvious symptoms, clinical evaluation is the most reliable way to identify its presence and stage. A thorough dental examination — sometimes supported by X-rays and measurements of the gum pockets — helps determine the severity and the most appropriate course of care.
Symptoms & Warning Signs
Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
One of the earliest and most common signs — healthy gums typically do not bleed with routine cleaning, so regular bleeding warrants a professional review
Red, swollen or tender gums
Gums that appear redder than usual, look puffy or feel tender to the touch indicate ongoing inflammation and should be assessed clinically
Persistent bad breath or bad taste
Ongoing unpleasant breath or taste can be a sign of bacterial build-up and infection within the gum tissues, particularly when not explained by other factors
Gum recession
As gum disease progresses, the gums may gradually pull away from the teeth, making the teeth appear longer and sometimes exposing sensitive root surfaces
Loose teeth or changes in bite
In more advanced stages, loss of supporting bone can cause teeth to feel loose, shift position, or alter the way upper and lower teeth come together
Changes in gum appearance
Gaps forming between teeth, gum pockets feeling deeper, or visible changes in the contour of the gum line can all indicate progression and should prompt professional review
Symptoms vary depending on the stage of gum disease. Early changes are often subtle — which is why regular professional assessments are an important part of long-term gum health.
Contributing Factors
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Gum disease typically develops from the interaction of several factors. Understanding the influences relevant to your individual circumstances is a key part of effective management.
Plaque and tartar build-up
Plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — forms on the teeth and along the gum line. If not removed effectively, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which continually irritates the gum tissue and is the primary driver of gum disease
Inadequate oral hygiene
Inconsistent or ineffective brushing and cleaning between teeth allows plaque to build up, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach — creating the conditions in which gum disease can develop and progress
Smoking and tobacco use
Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for gum disease. It can reduce blood flow to the gums, mask early warning signs such as bleeding, and make treatment less predictable
Medical conditions affecting oral health
Conditions such as diabetes — particularly when not well controlled — as well as certain autoimmune, hormonal or inflammatory conditions can increase the risk of gum disease and its progression
Hormonal changes
Changes associated with pregnancy, menopause or certain medications can make the gums more sensitive to plaque and more prone to inflammation, even when oral hygiene is otherwise adequate
Genetic predisposition
Some individuals have a genetic tendency toward gum problems and may develop more significant disease despite good oral hygiene. Family history can be a useful indicator during assessment
Why It Matters
Potential Risks if Not Addressed
Without appropriate management, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the inflammation extends beyond the gums and begins to affect the supporting bone and ligaments. Once this stage is reached, treatment becomes more involved, and some of the changes to the supporting tissues may not be fully reversible.
Advanced gum disease can gradually lead to the loss of supporting bone and tissue around the teeth. This may cause teeth to feel loose, shift position, or — in more advanced cases — become at greater risk of being lost altogether. Ongoing inflammation can also contribute to continued discomfort, sensitivity and aesthetic changes in the gum line.
Because gum health is closely linked to wider oral and general wellbeing, untreated gum disease can influence overall oral health — including the success of other dental treatments. Early professional review and ongoing maintenance typically help keep the condition stable and support long-term outcomes.
Your Options
Treatment and Management Options
Treatment depends on clinical assessment and the stage of gum disease. Management varies based on severity, and a personalised approach is recommended following professional evaluation.
Professional Hygiene Treatment
Detailed scaling and polishing by a dental hygienist to remove plaque and tartar build-up above and around the gum line — a foundation of gum disease management.
Learn MoreGeneral Dentistry Review
Thorough examination of the gums, teeth and supporting structures to diagnose gum disease, identify contributing factors and plan appropriate care.
Learn MorePeriodontal Treatment
Targeted treatment for more advanced gum disease, including deeper cleaning of the root surfaces and careful management of affected areas.
Learn MorePrivate Dental Care
Comprehensive, personalised care including detailed assessment, treatment planning and ongoing maintenance of gum health over time.
Learn MoreFluoride Treatment
Supportive preventive treatment that can strengthen tooth structure and help protect exposed root surfaces where gum recession has occurred.
Learn MoreEmergency Dental Care
Prompt review for acute gum concerns such as sudden bleeding, swelling or signs of infection that may require urgent attention.
Learn MoreYour First Step
Importance of Professional Dental Assessment
One of the challenges of gum disease is that it may progress without obvious symptoms, particularly in smokers or when oral hygiene appears adequate. Regular professional assessment is one of the most reliable ways to detect early changes, before the supporting tissues become affected.
During your visit, your dentist or hygienist will examine the gums carefully, measure the depth of the gum pockets around the teeth, and — where appropriate — take X-rays to assess the level of supporting bone. This allows the stage and extent of gum disease to be identified accurately.
From there, a personalised plan can be developed that reflects your individual risk factors, lifestyle and oral health needs. Early detection supports better long-term management, and ongoing maintenance visits are an essential part of keeping gum health stable over time.
What to Expect
- 1Detailed review of gum health, medical history and relevant risk factors such as smoking or systemic conditions
- 2Clinical examination including measurement of gum pocket depths around each tooth
- 3X-rays where appropriate to assess the level of supporting bone around the teeth
- 4Clear explanation of the stage of gum disease and the options available for your situation
- 5Personalised treatment plan combining professional cleaning, home care advice and management of contributing factors
- 6Structured ongoing maintenance programme to monitor gum health and support long-term stability
Two Convenient Locations
Visit Us in Central London
Assessment and treatment planning for gum disease and other dental concerns are available at our London clinic, where professional evaluation can help determine appropriate care options.
South Kensington
Now Open20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL
Mon & Wed: 9 am – 6 pm
Tue & Thu: 9 am – 8 pm
Fri: 9 am – 5 pm
Sat & Sun: 10 am – 4 pm
1 min from South Kensington tube (District, Circle & Piccadilly)
City of London
Opening May 20265 Ave Maria Lane, City of London, London EC4M 7AQ
Mon – Fri: 8 am – 8 pm
Sat & Sun: Closed
3 min from St Paul's tube (Central line) · 5 min from Blackfriars
Common Questions
Gum Disease FAQ
Your Dental Team
Experienced Dentists
All our dentists and hygienists are GDC registered and experienced in assessing and managing gum disease at every stage — from early gingivitis to more advanced periodontal care.
Dr. Yasha Y Shirazi
Principal Dentist & Clinical Director
GDC: 195843
Dr. Reza Davari
Dentist
GDC: 302422
Dr. Kamran Yazdi
Dentist
GDC: 197926
Dr. Andreia Phipps
Dentist
GDC: 229601
Patient Reviews
What Our Patients Say
Related Services
Related Treatments & Services
Registered · Regulated · Trusted
Your Safety Is Our Priority
Our South Kensington clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and all our clinicians are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).
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South Kensington clinic
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CQC Provider: Medical and Dental Limited · Registration No. 1-20629579981
Assessment for Gum Disease
Concerned About Your Gum Health?
If you are concerned about gum health or notice symptoms such as bleeding or swelling, a professional dental assessment can help identify the condition and determine appropriate treatment options based on your individual needs.
