Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and the reason it does so much damage is that it is usually painless until it is advanced. People notice bleeding, assume it is normal, and it progresses quietly for years.
The two stages
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum caused by plaque. Gums are red, puffy and bleed when brushed. At this stage no permanent damage has been done and it is fully reversible with professional cleaning and better daily cleaning at home.
Periodontitis is what gingivitis becomes if it is left. The inflammation spreads deeper and starts destroying the bone that holds the teeth in. Pockets form between gum and tooth, gums recede, and eventually teeth loosen. Bone lost to periodontitis does not grow back. Treatment stops further loss; it cannot undo what has already gone.
That difference is the whole argument for acting early.
Signs to take seriously
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing — the earliest and most-ignored sign
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gums pulling back, so teeth look longer
- Increased sensitivity as roots become exposed
- Teeth that feel loose, or a bite that feels different
- New gaps appearing between teeth
What increases the risk
Plaque is the cause, but several things make it worse: smoking (the single largest modifiable risk factor, and it also masks bleeding, hiding the warning sign), poorly controlled diabetes, genetic susceptibility, pregnancy and hormonal changes, stress, and some medicines that cause dry mouth or gum overgrowth.
How it is treated
- Assessment. We measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth and take X-rays to see the bone level. This gives a baseline to measure improvement against.
- Professional cleaning. Removing plaque and calculus above and below the gumline.
- Root surface debridement. For deeper pockets, cleaning the root surfaces thoroughly, usually under local anaesthetic, often over more than one appointment.
- Technique coaching. The part that decides the outcome. We show you exactly where you are missing, because between appointments the treatment is in your hands.
- Reassessment. Re-measuring the pockets after healing to see what has responded.
- Maintenance. More frequent cleaning visits, often every three to four months, to keep it stable.
Gum disease and general health
There are well-documented associations between gum disease and conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The relationship with diabetes runs both ways: poorly controlled blood sugar worsens gum disease, and gum inflammation makes blood sugar harder to control. If you are diabetic, please tell us.
Common questions
My gums bleed. Should I brush that area more gently?
Brush it gently but thoroughly, and do not avoid it. Bleeding is caused by plaque left at the gumline; cleaning that area properly is what stops it. Bleeding usually reduces markedly within one to two weeks. If it does not, come and be assessed.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis can be fully reversed. Periodontitis is controlled rather than cured — the aim is to halt it and keep it stable with ongoing maintenance, which is why the recall interval is shorter afterwards.
Will I lose my teeth?
Not necessarily, and that depends a great deal on how early it is caught and how well it is maintained afterwards. Many people with treated periodontitis keep their teeth for life.
What it costs
We do not publish a price list, because the right treatment — and so the price — depends on what we find when we examine you. What we promise instead:
- A written treatment plan and quote before any work begins
- No charges you have not agreed to first
- Payment by MTN MoMo, Airtel Money or card
Nervous about this treatment?
Tell us when you book. We allow extra time, explain each step before we do it, and stop whenever you ask us to.
Further reading: Your gums bleed when you brush. Does it matter?