Gum disease is extremely common and is the leading cause of tooth loss. Most people will experience some degree of Gum Disease, also known as Periodontitis, at some point in their lives. The good news is that it is almost completely preventable with proper oral care.
At Horsley Dental, our dentists focus on preventing problems before they happen and we advise regular Oral Hygiene visits and check-ups. We can spot any potential dangers and take the appropriate action where necessary. If you are already experiencing any issues with your gums then we can treat the problem before it develops into something more serious.
It is very important to take good care of your gums. Gum disease develops when bacteria builds up on teeth along the gum line. This hardens into tartar which then infects and enflames the gums. If left untreated, Gum Disease can initially lead to bleeding gums and bad breath. If allowed to progress further it will develop into more serious problems and eventually tooth loss. Severe Gum Disease can be treated by a specialist Periodontist.
Oral Hygiene appointments are the most effective way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. The hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth along the gum line to prevent the build up of plaque. They will also carefully check your gums, look out for any potential issues and advise accordingly.
If you have concerns about Gum Disease or would like to arrange a Hygiene Appointment, please call our reception on 01483 281 414. To find out how much Hygiene Appointments cost at Horsley Dental, please visit our Fees page to see our latest prices.
Early signs of gum disease often include gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, along with redness, swelling or tenderness along the gum line. You might also notice persistent bad breath or a bad taste that doesn’t go away. As the condition progresses, gums can start to recede, teeth may feel loose, and gaps can appear between teeth. Because gum disease isn’t always painful in the early stages, changes in bleeding or gum appearance are often the first warning signs.
Treatment depends on how advanced the gum disease is. In the early stages, a professional deep clean combined with improved daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth is often enough to bring the gums back to health. If the condition is more advanced, deeper cleaning below the gum line may be needed to remove hardened plaque and bacteria. Ongoing maintenance, good home care, and regular reviews are key to keeping the gums stable and preventing the disease from returning.
In its early stage, gum disease (gingivitis) can often be fully reversed with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning. If it progresses to periodontitis, the damage can’t always be undone, but treatment can stop the disease from getting worse and help stabilise the teeth and gums. Early diagnosis makes a big difference to the outcome.
Your daily routine at home is the foundation of both treating and preventing gum disease. Professional treatment removes existing plaque and bacteria, but only consistent daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth prevents it from building up again. Skipping these steps even for short periods allows bacteria to return quickly. Consistent home care is what keeps treatment results stable and helps prevent gum disease from coming back in the future.