Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems, yet many people do not realise they have it until damage has already started. Bleeding gums are never normal — they are often the first sign that gum health needs attention. The good news is that early-stage gum disease can be managed or reversed with proper care and treatment. Understanding what causes it, recognising warning signs early, and taking action quickly can help you keep your teeth for life.
What is gum disease and why does it matter?
Gum disease is infection and inflammation of the tissues that support your teeth — the gums and the bone underneath. It starts when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) builds up on teeth and is not removed by brushing and flossing. If plaque stays, your immune system reacts, causing the gums to become red, swollen and sore. If left alone, the infection can spread deeper, damaging the bone that holds teeth in place. Over time, teeth may become loose and eventually lost. Gum disease is also linked to other health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke — caring for your gums is part of caring for your overall health.
Gingivitis vs periodontitis — what is the difference?
Gum disease has two main stages, and knowing the difference matters because the outlook varies.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums only. The gums become red, swollen and bleed when you brush or floss. The tooth roots and bone are not yet damaged. The key point: gingivitis can be reversed with good cleaning, better home hygiene and sometimes professional treatment. If you catch it at this stage, you can usually restore your gums to full health.
Periodontitis is a more advanced stage in which the infection has spread below the gum line, destroying the bone that anchors your teeth. Pockets form between the gum and tooth, trapping bacteria deeper in. Once bone is lost, it does not grow back — but treatment can stop the disease progressing and help you keep your remaining teeth. Periodontitis requires professional intervention and ongoing care to prevent further damage.
Warning signs to look out for
Pay attention to these common signs of gum disease:
Bleeding gums when brushing, flossing or eating.
Receding gums, so teeth look longer or roots are exposed.
Persistent bad breath or a taste that will not go away.
Loose teeth or teeth that feel wobbly.
Pain or discomfort when chewing.
Sensitive teeth, especially to hot, cold or pressure.
If you notice any of these, book an appointment soon. Early action makes a real difference.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease usually develops due to a combination of factors:
Plaque — if you do not brush and floss well, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) and irritates the gums.
Smoking — it weakens your immune system's ability to fight infection and slows healing.
Diabetes — high blood sugar makes gum disease more likely and harder to treat.
Medications — some drugs reduce saliva flow or affect how your body heals.
Genetics — some people are naturally more prone to gum disease, even with good oral hygiene.
Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause overall. However, even people who brush and floss carefully can develop gum disease if they have other risk factors or do not have regular professional cleaning.
Treatment and what it involves
The treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed. At the gingivitis stage, your dentist or hygienist may recommend a professional clean to remove tartar and provide guidance on home care — improved brushing and flossing often bring the gums back to health. If gingivitis is not addressed, treatment becomes more involved as it develops into periodontitis.
For periodontitis, treatment is more extensive. A procedure called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the tooth roots so gums can reattach. This may take one or more visits and can be done under local anaesthetic. Your dental team will talk through what to expect, how your gums should heal and how often you will need follow-up visits.
A regular check with our hygienist is key to catching and managing gum disease early. Learn more about what a periodontal visit involves and why these appointments protect your smile.
Long-term prevention and maintenance
Once gum disease has been treated, keeping it under control is a partnership between you and your dental team.
At home, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily — this is where many people slip up. Floss or use an interdental brush to remove plaque where toothbrushes cannot reach. If standard floss is difficult, alternatives like waterpiks, soft picks or floss threaders can work just as well; the goal is to keep those tight spaces clean.
For more tips on effective cleaning, read our guide to flossing and interdental cleaning.
Professionally, you will need regular hygiene visits — usually every three to six months if you have had gum disease — so tartar can be removed and your gums monitored. Your dentist will also check for other risk factors and adjust your care plan as needed. If you smoke, stopping is one of the most powerful things you can do to improve healing and reduce the chance of gum disease returning.
Gum health at Pear Tree Dental
We take gum disease seriously because healthy gums are the foundation of healthy teeth. If you are concerned about bleeding or swollen gums, or if it is simply time for a check-up, our team will assess your gums and create a care plan tailored to you. We explain what we find clearly, discuss your options and support you in preventing and managing gum disease.
To book a hygiene visit or discuss gum health, book an appointment or call 0115 931 2935.
FAQ
Q: Can gum disease be cured? A: Gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) can often be reversed with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning. Periodontitis cannot be cured — bone that is lost does not regrow — but with treatment and ongoing care, you can stop the disease and keep your teeth.
Q: Will I lose my teeth if I have gum disease? A: Not necessarily. If you catch it early and follow your treatment and home care plan, you can keep your teeth. The longer it goes untreated, the greater the risk, which is why early action matters.
Q: Is gum disease contagious? A: The bacteria that cause gum disease are not easily spread from person to person. However, sharing toothbrushes or eating utensils is not recommended.
Q: Does gum disease cause bad breath? A: Yes, bad breath is a common sign. The bacteria in infected gums release foul-smelling gases. Treating gum disease usually improves breath.
Q: Can gum disease come back after treatment? A: It can if you do not maintain good home hygiene and attend regular professional visits. Once you have had gum disease, you are at higher risk, so consistent care and monitoring are important to prevent it from returning.