Precise Care for Lasting Gum Health

Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. It begins as gingivitis — inflammation of the gums — and, if untreated, can progress to periodontitis, which affects the bone and ligaments anchoring the teeth. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK and is closely associated with a number of systemic health conditions.

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, characterised by gum inflammation without bone involvement. It is fully reversible with professional treatment and improved oral hygiene. Periodontitis is more advanced, involving the destruction of the bone and supporting structures around the teeth. Whilst the damage from periodontitis cannot be fully reversed, it can be halted and managed effectively with appropriate treatment.

Gingivitis is entirely reversible. Periodontitis, by contrast, causes permanent structural changes to the bone and tissue supporting the teeth — but its progression can be stopped and the condition stabilised with consistent treatment and maintenance. The earlier the intervention, the more natural tissue can be preserved.

Most patients find periodontal treatment more comfortable than anticipated. Scaling and root planing is typically performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring the procedure itself is painless. Some tenderness in the days following treatment is normal and resolves quickly. Laser-assisted treatment, where used, further reduces post-treatment discomfort for most patients.

The duration depends on the severity of the disease. Mild cases may be addressed in one or two sessions; moderate to severe periodontitis typically requires a course of treatment over several weeks, followed by a reassessment appointment at six to eight weeks. Maintenance care is then ongoing, usually three to four times per year.

Yes — gum disease is a chronic condition for many patients, which is why the maintenance programme is central to long-term success. With consistent professional care and good home hygiene, recurrence can be minimised significantly. Your maintenance schedule will be tailored to your individual risk profile, not a generic recall interval.

The evidence is substantial. Chronic periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (with gum disease and diabetes influencing each other bidirectionally), adverse pregnancy outcomes, and respiratory conditions. Treating gum disease has been shown to improve glycaemic control in diabetic patients and reduce systemic inflammatory markers.

This depends on your disease history and individual risk profile. Following active treatment, most patients attend three to four times per year. As gum health stabilises over time, this may be reviewed. We do not recommend reverting to a standard six-monthly recall if periodontal disease has been diagnosed — the evidence strongly supports more frequent maintenance to prevent recurrence.