What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease refers to inflammation, irritation, or infection of the tissues that support and surround the teeth. It is a common oral health issue that can range from mild discomfort to serious conditions that may result in tooth loss if left untreated.

The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis, which typically causes redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums, especially during brushing or flossing. If not addressed, gingivitis can progress to a more severe form known as periodontal disease (also called periodontitis), where the infection affects the deeper supporting structures of the teeth, including the bone. This advanced stage can lead to gum recession, loosening of the teeth, and eventually tooth loss.

Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings, is essential in preventing and managing gum disease. Early detection and treatment are key to protecting your smile and overall oral health.

Probably. Most people suffer from some form of gum disease, and it is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. However, the disease develops very slowly in most people, and it can be slowed down to a rate that should allow you to keep most of your teeth for life.

All gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria which forms on the surface of the teeth every day. Many of the bacteria in plaque are completely harmless, but there are some that have been shown to be the main cause of gum disease. To prevent and treat gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day.

This is done by brushing and cleaning in between the teeth with ‘interdental’ brushes or floss. See our leaflet ‘Tell me about Caring for my teeth and gums‘ for how to do this.

Smoking can also make gum disease worse. People who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque, which leads to gum disease.

The gums are affected because smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so the infected gums don’t heal. Smoking causes people to have more plaque and the gum disease to get worse more quickly than in non-smokers. Gum disease is still a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Unfortunately, gum disease does not usually cause pain as it gets worse so you do not notice the damage it is doing. However, the bacteria are sometimes more active and this makes your gums sore.

This can lead to gum abscesses, and pus may ooze from around the teeth. Over a number of years, the bone supporting the teeth can be lost. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, treatment can be more difficult.

The first sign is blood on your toothbrush or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth. Your gums may also bleed when you are eating, leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant.

The first thing to do is visit your dental team for a thorough check-up of your teeth and gums. They will measure the ‘cuff’ of gum around each tooth to see if there is any sign that periodontal disease has started.

X-rays may also be needed to see the amount of bone that has been lost. This assessment is very important, so the correct treatment can be prescribed for you.

Your dental team will remove all plaque and tartar from your teeth. You will also be shown how to remove plaque successfully yourself, cleaning all the surfaces of your teeth thoroughly and effectively.

This may take a number of sessions with the dental team. A good oral care routine at home with brushing and interdental cleaning is the most important thing you can do to help prevent gum disease getting worse.

Once your teeth are clean, your dental team may need to treat the roots of the teeth to make sure that the last pockets of bacteria are removed. This is called ‘root planing’.

You’ll probably need the treatment area to be numbed before anything is done. Afterwards, you may feel some discomfort for up to 48 hours.

There is no cure for periodontal disease, but it can be controlled as long as you keep up the home care you have been taught. Any further loss of bone will be very slow and it may stop altogether.

However, you must make sure you remove plaque every day, and go for regular check-ups by the dental team.

In recent years gum disease has been linked with general health conditions such as diabetes, strokes, cardiovascular disease, poor pregnancy outcomes and even dementia.

More research is needed to understand how these links work but there is more and more evidence that having a healthy mouth and gums can help improve your general health and reduce the costs of medical treatment.

If you’re concerned about your gum health or simply want to stay on top of your oral hygiene, we’re here to help.

Our friendly dental team offers expert care and personalised advice to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—early prevention is the best protection. Book your appointment today and take the next step toward a healthier, brighter smile.

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The Ripley Family Dental Centre
14 Derby Road
Ripley
Derbyshire
DE5 3HR

Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 5.00pm