Gum disease is the most common reason adults lose teeth, and it rarely announces itself. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums become inflamed by plaque sitting at the gum line. At this point it is completely reversible. Left alone, the inflammation spreads below the gum into the bone that holds your teeth in place. That stage is periodontitis, and while it can be stopped, the bone it has already taken does not come back.
Most people in Epsom who come to us with gum disease had no idea they had it. Bleeding when you brush is the usual first clue, and because it does not hurt, it is easy to put down to “brushing too hard”. It almost never is.
What is happening in your gums
Plaque is a soft film of bacteria that forms on teeth every day. If it is not removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus) within a day or two, and tartar can only be removed professionally. The bacteria in plaque and tartar irritate the gum, which responds by becoming red, swollen and quick to bleed. Over time the gum pulls away from the tooth, forming a pocket that traps more bacteria, and the supporting bone begins to dissolve.
Smoking, diabetes, stress, pregnancy hormones and some medications all make gums more vulnerable. Some people are simply more prone to it than others, and it tends to run in families.
How we assess it
At an Oral Health Assessment we measure the depth of the gap between your gums and teeth at several points around every tooth. Healthy gums measure one to three millimetres; deeper pockets tell us where the disease is and how far it has gone. We also check for bleeding, recession and loose teeth, and take X-rays where needed to see the bone level. You will get a clear picture of where you stand, in plain language, before any treatment is suggested.
Treatment options
For gingivitis, a professional clean with the hygienist and a tailored home routine is usually all it takes. The gums settle within a couple of weeks once the plaque and tartar are gone.
For periodontitis, we carry out Gum Disease Treatment: a deeper clean below the gum line, area by area, usually with local anaesthetic so it is comfortable. This removes the bacteria from the pockets and lets the gum tighten back against the tooth. We then re-measure after a few weeks to see how the gums have responded. Some patients need a further round in stubborn areas, and a few are referred for specialist periodontal care.
Whatever stage you are at, the most important part of treatment is what happens afterwards: regular hygiene visits, typically every three to six months, and a home routine that reaches between the teeth. Gum disease is a long-term condition that is managed rather than cured, and patients who keep up with hygiene appointments keep their teeth.
Looking after your gums at home
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, angling the bristles towards the gum line
- Clean between your teeth every day with interdental brushes or floss; this is where gum disease starts
- Do not stop brushing an area because it bleeds; bleeding means it needs cleaning more, not less
- If you smoke, stopping is the single biggest thing you can do for your gums
- Keep diabetes well controlled; the two conditions affect each other
