Preventative Dentistry
PATIENT’S GUIDE TO PERIODONTAL (GUM) DISEASE
The Patient’s Guide to Periodontal (Gum) Disease provides essential information on recognizing symptoms, understanding causes, and exploring treatment options. It highlights the importance of early detection to prevent tooth loss and protect overall health. This guide empowers patients to take control of their gum health through education and prevention.
Enhance your smile with top-quality restorations from a team of skilled dental professionals.
Suitable For
- Notice signs of gum issues such as bleeding, swelling, or persistent bad breath.
- Have a history of gum problems or are at higher risk due to factors like smoking or diabetes.
- Want to understand treatment options and take proactive steps to maintain long-term gum health.
PATIENT’S GUIDE TO PERIODONTAL (GUM) DISEASE LEWISHAM
Periodontal (gum) disease is a common but serious condition that affects the tissues supporting your teeth. It often begins with mild symptoms like gum redness or bleeding and can progress to tooth loss if left untreated. This guide helps you recognize early warning signs and understand the stages of gum disease.
It also outlines available treatments—from non-surgical deep cleanings to advanced surgical options. Maintaining proper oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and lifestyle changes play a key role in managing the disease.
With the right care and information, gum disease is manageable and often preventable. Empower yourself with knowledge and take control of your oral health.
Benefits of Patients Guide To Periodontal ( Gum ) Disease
1
Early Detection Support
Helps patients recognize early signs of gum disease before it becomes severe.
2
Improved Treatment Understanding
Clearly explains available treatment options, reducing anxiety and uncertainty.
3
Enhanced Oral Health Awareness
Educates patients on daily habits and preventive care to maintain healthy gums.
4
Empowered Decision-Making
Encourages informed conversations with dental professionals for better outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Periodontal (gum) Disease?
- Periodontal disease is a condition which effects the supporting structures of the teeth (gum and bone).
- It happens when irreversible destruction has occurred to these structures (gum and bone), and if left untreated can eventually lead to tooth loss.
What causes Periodontal Disease?
- The main cause of periodontal disease is dental plaque, hence the importance of the removal of plaque through brushing twice a day and by carrying out interdental cleaning of the teeth.
- Dental plaque is the sticky invisible film which grows on our teeth every day, which if left, turns into calculus/tartar (hardened plaque). The plaque contains bacteria that release harmful toxins, which can cause irreversible damage of the supporting structures.
- When the damage occurs a ‘pocket’ is formed, due to the loss of supporting structures around the tooth. As the gum disease continues, so does bone loss. When sufficient bone has been lost the tooth loosens and either falls out or is removed.
- Other factors which can cause periodontal disease include smoking, diabetes, medications (blood pressure medications), pregnancy and plaque retentive factors such as crowns/bridges which no longer fit.
How is Periodontal Disease detected?
- Your Dentist/Dental Hygienist will check the gum health by dividing your mouth into 6 areas, and gives each area a score between of 0-4.
| SCORE | What does this mean? | Treatment required |
| 0 | No bleeding
No plaque or calculus/tartar No pocket | No treatment needed |
| 1 | Bleeding
Plaque No pocket | Oral hygiene advice |
| 2 | Bleeding
Plaque and calculus/tartar No pocket | Oral hygiene advice
Referral to hygienist for scaling |
| 3 | Bleeding
Plaque and calculus/tartar Plaque retentive factor Pocket measured between 3.5-5.5mm | Oral hygiene advice
Referral to hygienist for periodontal treatment |
| 4 | Bleeding
Plaque and calculus/tartar Plaque retentive factor Pocket more than 5.5mm |
Periodontal Treatment required for patients with scores 3 and 4
The aim of the treatment discussed below is to stabilise and prevent any further progression of the periodontal disease.
Any current damage of supporting structures of teeth cannot be regrown.
Plaque is the main cause of periodontal disease, hence the importance of its removal through excellent brushing technique and interdental cleaning technique of the patient.
Please see below the treatment plan:
Session 1(£95- 30 min appointment): Removal of plaque and calculus Intense oral hygiene advice – brushing technique and interdental cleaning tips |
Session 2 (£95- 30 min appointment): Full mouth recording of pockets – this will act as a baseline for ongoing treatment and allows the hygienist to compare results at the end of treatment Any further oral hygiene advice required |
Session 3 (£190- 1 hour appointment): For patients with scores of 3 – Whole mouth deeper cleaning underneath the gums using ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments For patients with scores of 4 – 1st half mouth deeper cleaning with local anaesthetic underneath the gums using ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments |
| Session 4 (£190-1 hour appointment): |
For patients with scores of 4 – 2nd half mouth deeper cleaning with local anaesthetic
underneath gums using ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments |
Session 5 (£95-30 min appointment): 3 months after deeper cleaning carried out Full mouth reassessment of pockets If treatment has been successful, the patient will be placed onto the maintenance phase – hygienist appointments every 3 months and full mouth pocket recordings once per year If little or no response to treatment, referral to a specialist will be discussed |
Possible treatment side effects:
- Gum recession
- Sensitivity
- Infection
