Gum Disease Symptoms and Treatments
Helping Epsom patients maintain a healthy mouth.
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues in the UK — and one of the most preventable. At our dental practice, we believe in helping our patients recognise the early signs and stages of gum disease so they can take action before it causes significant issues.
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease can range from mild gum irritation to serious infections that threaten your teeth and even your general health. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the symptoms, causes, and treatment options available — and how Clocktower Dental, Implant & Facial Centre can support you in keeping your gums healthy for life.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that surround and support the teeth. It initially begins with plaque — a soft, sticky film that builds up around the teeth and contains millions of bacteria. If not removed with regular brushing and flossing, this plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which can’t be removed by home cleaning.
Over time, the bacteria in plaque and tartar inflame the gums, leading to a disease that may eventually damage the bone supporting your teeth.
There are two main stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis – The earliest stage, where gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. It is usually reversible with good hygiene and professional cleaning.
- Periodontitis – A more advanced stage, where the infection spreads beneath the gum line and begins to destroy the bone and connective tissue. This can lead to loose teeth and, eventually, tooth loss.
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
One of the problems with gum disease is that it often progresses silently. That’s why regular dental check-ups are so important — your Epsom dentist or hygienist can often detect early signs long before you notice them yourself.
There are several symptoms to watch out for:
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Receding gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- A change in your bite
- Pain when chewing
- Pus between your teeth and gums
Even if these symptoms are mild, they should never be ignored. The earlier gum disease is caught, the easier it is to treat.
What Causes Gum Disease?
The primary cause is poor oral hygiene — not brushing and flossing effectively allows plaque to build up. But other factors can increase your risk:
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Diabetes
- Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or menopause)
- Certain medications (including some that reduce saliva flow)
- Genetics
Understanding your personal risk factors is an important step in prevention.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
The treatment you’ll need depends on how advanced the gum disease is. Here’s what you can expect:
- Professional Cleaning – In cases of gingivitis, a thorough scale and polish with your dental hygienist may be all that’s required. This removes plaque and tartar from your teeth and along the gum line.
- Improved Oral Hygiene – We’ll show you how to clean more effectively at home — including brushing technique, flossing, and using tools like interdental brushes.
- Root Planing (Deep Cleaning) – For periodontitis, root planing is often necessary. This deep-cleaning procedure removes bacteria from the roots of the teeth and smooths the surfaces to discourage future plaque build-up.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
The best treatment is prevention — and the good news is, most cases of gum disease are completely avoidable with the right habits.
- Brush twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.
- Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly — at least every six months, or more often if recommended.
- Avoid tobacco products.
At our dental clinic, we take a preventive approach and aim to educate and help you to look after your gums every day.
Why Early Action Matters
Untreated gum disease isn’t just a dental problem — it’s been linked to wider health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Taking gum health seriously is a powerful step toward better overall health.
Supporting Gum Health in Epsom
At our dental clinic, we’re proud to offer a full range of preventive and restorative services to support your gum health. From gentle hygiene visits to advanced periodontal care, we’re committed to making your treatment comfortable, effective, and stress-free.
If you’ve noticed signs of gum disease — or if it’s just been a while since your last check-up — don’t wait. Get in touch with us today by calling us on 01372 720136.