Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth. Caught early, it can be reversed. Left alone, it can damage the bone that holds your teeth in place.
At a glance
- What it is
- Inflammation or infection of the gums around the teeth
- Early stage
- Gingivitis. The gums are sore or bleed, and this can be reversed.
- Later stage
- Periodontitis. The bone and tissue that hold the teeth start to be damaged.
- Treatment
- Cleaning, deep cleaning under the gums, and sometimes further treatment
- Cost
- Depends on what is needed. Your dentist tells you before starting.
Signs of gum disease
- Gums that bleed when you brush, floss or eat hard food
- Gums that are red, swollen or sore
- Bad breath or a bad taste that does not go away
- Gums that look as if they are pulling back from the teeth, so teeth look longer
- Teeth that feel loose or have moved
- Pus around the teeth or a gum abscess
Gum disease often does not hurt in its early stages. That is why bleeding gums should not be ignored, even when nothing hurts.
What causes it
Plaque builds up on the teeth and along the gum line. If it is not cleaned away well, it irritates the gums, and it hardens into tartar, which cannot be brushed off. Smoking or chewing tobacco makes gum disease more likely and harder to treat. Diabetes, pregnancy and some medicines can also affect the gums, so tell your dentist about your health.
Early and severe gum disease
In gingivitis, the gums are inflamed but the bone underneath is still healthy. With good cleaning at home and a professional clean, it can go back to normal. If it continues, it can become periodontitis. The gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets where bacteria collect, and the bone that supports the teeth can be lost. Damage to the bone cannot be reversed, but treatment can stop it from getting worse.
How gum disease is treated
- Examination. The dentist looks at your gums, may measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth, and may take an X-ray to check the bone.
- Professional cleaning. Plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth and gum line. See our scaling and polishing page.
- Deep cleaning under the gums. If pockets have formed, the dentist cleans below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces. Local anaesthetic can be used, and it can take more than one visit.
- Further treatment if needed. Some cases need medicines, gum surgery or a specialist. A tooth that cannot be saved may have to be taken out.
- Keeping it under control. You are shown how to clean your teeth and gums properly, and you come back for regular check-ups.
What you can do at home
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, along the gum line too.
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss or small interdental brushes.
- Wait a while after brushing before using mouthwash, so it does not wash the fluoride away.
- Stop smoking and do not chew tobacco. Ask us if you want help.
- Keep going to your check-ups.
After a deep clean
- Your gums can be sore and may bleed a little for a few days.
- Your teeth may feel sensitive to hot and cold. Gums that were swollen shrink as they heal, so gaps between teeth can look larger.
- Keep cleaning gently but thoroughly, and follow the dentist’s advice on pain relief.
Things to be aware of
- Gum disease can come back if plaque builds up again, so home cleaning matters as much as the treatment.
- Teeth can be sensitive after treatment, and receding gums can show the roots.
- Severe gum disease may leave teeth loose, and some teeth cannot be saved.
When to get urgent help
See your dentist soon if your gums are very swollen, a tooth is loose, or you have a mouth ulcer that has not healed within three weeks or a lump in your mouth. Go to the nearest hospital straight away (or call 112) if you have swelling of the face or neck, swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, or a fever together with tooth or gum pain. Do not wait for an appointment.
Common questions
Can gum disease be reversed?
Early gum disease, called gingivitis, can be reversed. Severe gum disease can usually be controlled, but the damage to the bone cannot be reversed. You need to keep your gums clean and have regular check-ups.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
It is often a sign of inflamed gums caused by plaque. Bleeding does not mean you should stop brushing. Brushing and cleaning between the teeth carefully usually helps, but see a dentist to check.
Does it hurt?
Gum disease often does not hurt. Deep cleaning can feel uncomfortable, and the dentist can numb the area if needed.
Is bad breath caused by gum disease?
It can be. Plaque and bacteria along the gum line are a common cause, but there are other causes too, so it needs checking.
Can gum disease make me lose teeth?
Yes, if the bone that supports the teeth is damaged. That is why early treatment matters.
How much does it cost?
It depends on how much cleaning or treatment is needed, so we can only tell you after examining you. Dr. Anjali will explain the cost before starting.
Gum treatment at Gangtok Dental Clinic
Dr. Anjali Gupta sees patients at Gangtok Dental Clinic and has more than 6 years of experience in dentistry. She will look at your gums first and tell you how healthy they are and what, if anything, needs treating. She will explain what she finds and go through your options and the cost with you, and nothing is started until you are ready to go ahead.
We are open every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Call or message us on WhatsApp at +91 82106 99271 to book a gum check. Our address is on the contact page.
This page gives general information about the treatment. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice, and what you need depends on an examination by your dentist. Please read our Medical Disclaimer.