What is gum disease and how do I prevent it?
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- What is gum disease and how do I prevent it?
Gum disease describes the swelling, soreness or infection around the tissues supporting the teeth. The main forms of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gum disease is a common condition that affects the tissues supporting your teeth. It causes swelling, redness, and infection in the gums. At Larkham House Dental Practice, we help patients prevent, detect, and treat gum disease early to protect long-term oral health.
There are two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. It occurs when plaque builds up along the gum line.
Common signs include:
The good news is that gingivitis is reversible. With good oral hygiene and professional care, your gums can return to full health.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis. This is a more serious condition that affects the bone and tissues supporting your teeth.
As it progresses, it can cause:
Early diagnosis is key. The sooner we treat periodontitis, the better we can protect your smile.
Gum disease starts with plaque — a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth daily.
If plaque is not removed:
This process leads to infection and tissue damage over time
You might not always notice gum disease at first. However, watch out for:
If you notice any of these symptoms, book an appointment as soon as possible
At Larkham House Dental Practice, we carry out a full assessment of your gum health. This may include:
Our experienced clinician, Dr Vivek Giddani, has a special interest in Periodontics and provides advanced diagnosis and care
Treatment depends on how advanced the condition is.
We focus on:
You may be treated by a dentist, hygienist, or referred for specialist periodontal care if needed.
What Happens After Treatment?
After treatment, maintaining clean teeth is essential. Healthy gums require consistent care.
We recommend:
With proper care, gums can heal and stabilise.
Can Gum Disease Come Back?
Yes, gum disease can return if oral hygiene slips.
Long-term maintenance is key to protecting your teeth.
Prevention is simple with the right routine:
Small daily habits make a big difference.
Some people are more likely to develop gum disease, including:
If you fall into these groups, regular check-ups are even more important.
If you think you may have gum disease, don’t wait. Early treatment is simple and highly effective.
At Larkham House Dental Practice, we combine expert care with advanced technology to provide accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.
