Gum disease is inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting tissues caused by plaque build-up. Early disease is called gingivitis, while more advanced disease affecting the bone is known as periodontitis.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Common signs include red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, bad breath and gum recession. In advanced stages, teeth may feel loose or shift position.

Is periodontal treatment painful?

Local anaesthetic is commonly used to keep treatment comfortable. Some soreness afterwards is normal but usually manageable with simple pain relief and good aftercare.

Are gum treatments widely available?

Many general dentists provide gum treatment, while advanced cases may be managed by clinicians with additional periodontal training. Your dentist will advise on the most appropriate level of care.

Does gum disease affect general health?

Research has linked severe gum disease with conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Maintaining gum health is an important part of overall wellbeing.

What is a periodontist and when might I see one?

A periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in gum disease and supporting structures. Referral may be recommended for complex or persistent cases.

Will I always need treatment once diagnosed with gum disease?

Gum disease is often a long-term condition that requires ongoing maintenance rather than a one-off cure. Regular reviews and daily care help keep it stable.

Are mouthwashes helpful for gum disease?

Some antimicrobial mouthwashes can be useful as part of a wider treatment plan, particularly in specific situations. They do not replace brushing and interdental cleaning.

What is the long-term outlook for gum disease?

With early diagnosis, consistent professional care and good home hygiene, gum disease can often be kept stable, allowing many people to keep their teeth long term.

PERIODONTICS

Periodontic Treatment in Milton Keynes

Q: What is periodontics?

Periodontics is the area of dentistry that focuses on the gums and the structures supporting the teeth. Dentists with advanced training in this field are known as periodontists.

Q: Can gum disease be cured?

Early gum disease is usually reversible with professional care and good oral hygiene. More advanced periodontitis cannot always be cured, but it can often be stabilised and controlled long term.

Q: What causes gum disease?

The main cause is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth and along the gum line. Smoking, diabetes, certain medications and genetics can also increase risk.

Q: How is gum disease treated?

Treatment focuses on removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line and improving daily cleaning at home. More advanced cases may require specialist periodontal treatment.

Q: What is deep cleaning or root surface debridement?

Deep cleaning involves carefully removing plaque and tartar from the root surfaces beneath the gums. It is usually carried out under local anaesthetic and may take place over several visits.

Q: How often should I be seen if I have gum disease?

People with a history of gum disease often need more frequent maintenance visits, typically every three to six months. Recall intervals are tailored to individual risk.

Periodontics is the treatment of gum disease.

One in every two adults over 30 suffers from gum disease and without treatment, the supporting structures will recede to the point where teeth may be lost. In fact, periodontitis is the main reason of tooth loss in adults over the age of 45 in the UK.

PERIODONTICS

Periodontic Treatment in Milton Keynes

Periodontics is the treatment of gum disease.

BOOKING A TREATMENT

Please use the form below for all of your dental treatments, check-ups and and dental hygiene appointments.

OPENING HOURS

Monday 8am – 7:30pm
Tuesday 8am – 7:30pm
Wednesday 8am – 7:30pm
Thursday 8am – 7:30pm
Friday 8am – 5pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

ADDRESS

Oakgrove Dental Practice

11 Atlas Way,

Milton Keynes

MK10 9SG

TEL 01908 771170

Enquire About Periodontics

Oakgrove Dental Practice

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Looking after your gums

Many people may not even be aware that they have Periodontal disease. Initially, gum disease does not cause pain and it is only later that the gums, bone and surrounding teeth can progress into a more serious condition, called periodontitis.
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This is why it is vital to have regular dental check ups where we can diagnose, treat and manage your overall oral health. It is important to let us know if you see any changes whilst brushing, such as bleeding gums, receding, swollen or red gums, or if you have loose teeth or recurring infections in your mouth. Regular maintenance by your dentist or hygienist can aid in keeping bacteria at bay and help you to keep your teeth for life.

Brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting your dentist or hygienist at least once a year can help detect and prevent gum disease.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Looking after your gums

Many people may not even be aware that they have Periodontal disease. Initially, gum disease does not cause pain and it is only later that the gums, bone and surrounding teeth can progress into a more serious condition, called periodontitis.
‍
This is why it is vital to have regular dental check ups where we can diagnose, treat and manage your overall oral health. It is important to let us know if you see any changes whilst brushing, such as bleeding gums, receding, swollen or red gums, or if you have loose teeth or recurring infections in your mouth. Regular maintenance by your dentist or hygienist can aid in keeping bacteria at bay and help you to keep your teeth for life.

Brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting your dentist or hygienist at least once a year can help detect and prevent gum disease.

YOUR PERIODONTAL JOURNEY

At Oakgrove Dental Practice, Milton Keynes we’re here to help you through the periodontal treatment process from the very first step:

5: Further treatment

Following initial treatment a number of review appointments and regular hygienist visits may be required. These will help you keep your gum health stable and to enable us to assess how your mouth has responded to treatment.After initial treatment a small number of patients, with extensive periodontal disease may also need to undergo periodontal surgery to stabilise their gum condition.Any need for surgery will be discussed at your appointment, however the majority of patients do not require surgery.

Why is it important to look after your gums?

One in every two adults over 30 suffers from gum disease and it can lead to receding gums, bone damage, loss of teeth, and can increase the risk of other health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer.

Although bacteria are the main cause of periodontitis, gum disease is a multi-factorial disease. Other factors that can contribute to gum disease include smoking, genetics, hormonal changes (pregnancy), stress, certain medications and medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Without treatment, the supporting structures will recede to the point where teeth may be lost. In fact, periodontitis is the main reason of tooth loss in adults over the age of 45 in the UK.

UNDERSTANDING GUM DISEASE

What is periodontics?

Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that looks after the gums, and the bone and fibres holding your teeth in place. It covers gum disease, gum recession and the health of the gum around dental implants. Most gum treatment is carried out by your own dentist or hygienist rather than a specialist. A periodontist is a dentist who has completed around three further years of training in this field and is entered on the General Dental Council’s specialist list, which anyone can check on the GDC register.

What causes gum disease, and what makes me more likely to get it?

Gum disease starts with dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that gathers where the tooth meets the gum. If plaque is not cleaned away every day it inflames the gum, and in some people that inflammation goes on to damage the bone anchoring the teeth. Plaque is the cause, but how much damage it does depends on other things: smoking, diabetes that is not well controlled, certain medicines, and a family history of gum problems. Smoking is the biggest risk you can change, because it reduces the gums’ ability to heal, speeds the disease up, and makes treatment less likely to work.

Can I have gum disease without knowing?

Yes. Gum disease is often silent, causing no pain at all, so it can be present for years without you noticing anything. The clearest early sign is bleeding when you brush or clean between your teeth, because healthy gums do not bleed. Other signs are gums that look red, puffy or shrunken, lasting bad breath or a bad taste, teeth that look longer, new gaps, and teeth that feel loose. If you smoke, your gums may not bleed even while the disease is active, so smokers are more easily caught out. Bleeding gums are a reason to book a check, not a reason to brush less.

What do the numbers my dentist calls out during a gum check mean?

The numbers called out during a gum check are your Basic Periodontal Examination, or BPE. A healthy gum sits within about 3mm of the tooth, and anything deeper is a pocket. Your dentist scores each of six sections of your mouth from 0 to 4 with a small probe.

0 – healthy gums
1 – the gums bleed, but no pockets
2 – hardened plaque, called tartar, is present
3 – a pocket of 4mm to 5mm between gum and tooth
4 – a pocket of 6mm or more

A 3 or a 4 means your gums need more than a routine clean: your dentist will measure around every tooth and check the bone on an X-ray.

Can gum disease be cured, or will I always need treatment?

Whether gum disease can be cured depends on which stage you have. Gingivitis, where only the gums are inflamed, can clear up completely, usually within a few weeks to a few months of cleaning thoroughly at home and having plaque and tartar removed. Periodontitis is different. Once bone around a tooth has been lost it does not grow back on its own, so periodontitis is controlled rather than cured. Treatment can stop it progressing, and that is a realistic goal for most people. In practice it means a course of active treatment first, then a maintenance visit every 3 to 12 months for as long as you keep your teeth.

TREATMENT

How is gum disease treated?

Gum treatment in the UK follows four steps set out by the British Society of Periodontology. Step one builds the foundation: showing you how to clean effectively, tackling risk factors such as smoking, and removing plaque and tartar from the parts of the teeth you can see. Your gums are reassessed a few weeks or months later. Step two is cleaning below the gum line where pockets remain, under local anaesthetic. Step three tackles deep pockets that have not settled, sometimes by referral. Step four is maintenance. With gingivitis, step one may be all you ever need; with periodontitis, expect several months rather than one appointment.

How much does gum disease treatment cost?

Gum treatment is priced once your gums have been assessed, because the fee depends on how many teeth are involved and how many visits you need. The starting points are published: an adult examination is from £55, a new patient examination is from £60, and a 30 minute hygienist appointment is from £80. To see the hygienist without seeing a dentist first, direct access is from £127.50. Ask for a written treatment plan setting out the full cost before any gum treatment starts. Prices may vary depending on which practice location you attend.

Is gum disease treatment available on the NHS?

Gum disease treatment is available on the NHS, though not every practice holds an NHS contract, so check before booking. NHS care in the early stages means cleaning advice and having your teeth cleaned by a hygienist. For more advanced disease it can include deep cleaning below the gum line, antibiotics where needed, gum surgery, or removing a tooth that cannot be saved. Charges differ across the four UK nations, and NHS dental care is free while you are pregnant and for 12 months after giving birth, for under 18s, and for people on certain benefits. Our private fees start at £55 for an examination and £80 for a 30 minute hygienist visit.

What is deep cleaning or root surface debridement, and is it painful?

Deep cleaning, also called root surface debridement, is the careful removal of plaque and hardened tartar from the tooth roots below the gum line, using ultrasonic and hand instruments. The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure and vibration rather than pain. It usually takes more than one visit, a section of the mouth at a time. Afterwards the gums can feel sore for a few days, and the teeth may be sensitive to cold for a few weeks, which a desensitising toothpaste usually settles. Your dentist will tell you which painkiller suits you, and it is worth taking it before the numbness wears off.

Do I need antibiotics for gum disease?

Usually not. UK guidance is clear that antibiotics should not form part of routine gum disease treatment, because the cause is a bacterial film stuck to the tooth surface and tablets cannot remove it. Cleaning it off mechanically is what works, and antibiotic gels and antiseptic mouthwashes are not recommended routinely either. Antibiotics are used when infection is spreading, such as a gum abscess with facial swelling, and occasionally alongside cleaning for younger people whose disease is progressing fast and has not responded, which is usually a reason for referral. If your gum is swollen and you feel unwell, ask for an urgent appointment.

Will I need gum surgery?

Gum surgery is only considered once thorough cleaning has been done and pockets are still deep, and when your own cleaning at home is already very good. The usual procedure is open flap debridement: the gum is lifted under local anaesthetic so the root and pocket can be cleaned properly, then stitched back, with the stitches removed after one to two weeks. It is offered mainly where pockets of 6mm or more are still there after that cleaning. Where the shape of the bone loss is favourable, regenerative surgery using a protein gel or bone granules may rebuild some support. Surgery is not usually suitable if you smoke, because the gums heal poorly.

Can receding gums grow back?

No. Once the gum has shrunk back and exposed part of the root, it does not grow back on its own. What matters is stopping it going further, which means treating any gum disease and cleaning thoroughly but gently with a soft or medium brush. Recession does not always shorten the life of a tooth, but an exposed root can be sensitive, harder to clean and more prone to decay. Where it is causing real problems, a gum graft using tissue from the roof of the mouth can cover or thicken the area, although full coverage of the root cannot be promised.

When would I be referred to a periodontist?

Most gum disease is treated in general practice, by your own dentist or hygienist. A referral to a periodontist or a hospital gum clinic is usually considered when deep pockets have not settled after thorough cleaning, when the disease is severe or moving fast for your age, or when treatment is complicated by something else such as your medical history. Your dentist will normally complete the first stage of treatment, including cleaning advice and removing plaque and tartar, before referring, because specialist treatment works better once daily cleaning is good. Long-term maintenance then returns to your own practice.

How often should I be seen if I have gum disease?

Once periodontitis has been treated, most people need a maintenance visit every 3 to 12 months, and three-monthly to begin with. The interval is set by your risk rather than a standard timetable: how deep the pockets were, how well the gums have settled, whether you smoke, and how well controlled your diabetes is if you have it. You should also have every tooth measured around fully at least once a year, so any site slipping backwards is caught early. Keeping to these visits matters, because people who attend regularly for maintenance lose fewer teeth over the following years.

RISKS & PREVENTION

Can gum disease cause tooth loss?

Yes, but not quickly and not inevitably. Periodontitis destroys the bone and fibres anchoring a tooth, and when enough support has gone the tooth loosens and is eventually lost or has to be taken out. That process usually takes years, which is why it is so often caught in time. Even teeth that have lost a lot of bone can often be kept for many years once the disease is stabilised and you attend regular maintenance. Where a tooth truly cannot be saved, it is better to plan its removal and replacement than to wait for it to fall out.

My teeth feel loose. Can they be saved?

Often, yes. A tooth loosened by gum disease has lost some of its bone support, but whether it can be kept depends on more than the looseness: how much support remains, whether the root is decayed or cracked, whether the nerve is healthy, and how important that tooth is to your bite. Treating the inflammation comes first, and a tooth still loose afterwards can sometimes be joined to its neighbours, which is called splinting. Removal is advised mainly where a tooth cannot be restored, cannot be splinted, or stays infected despite treatment. A tooth that is loose and painful, or loose after a knock, should be seen promptly.

I have diabetes. How does that affect my gums?

Diabetes and gum disease affect each other in both directions. Having diabetes makes you two to three times more likely to develop periodontitis, and the risk rises the less well your blood glucose is controlled. It also works the other way: severe gum inflammation makes diabetes harder to control, and treating the gums has been shown to lower HbA1c by around 0.4 percentage points, comparable to adding a second diabetes medicine. That is why UK guidance says gum treatment for people with diabetes should aim at both the gums and blood glucose control. Tell your dentist your most recent HbA1c reading.

Can I have dental implants if I have gum disease?

Not while gum disease is active. It has to be treated and stable first, because the same bacteria and the same tendency to inflammation can affect an implant, and a history of periodontitis raises your risk of peri-implantitis, which is bone loss around an implant. Your dentist will also want your daily cleaning to be reliable and, if you smoke, will talk to you about stopping. Once your gums are stable, implants can work well. They start from £2,800 at this practice, and need their own maintenance visits alongside care for your remaining teeth.

Does pregnancy affect gum health?

Yes. Pregnancy hormones make the gums react more strongly to plaque, so they often become redder and puffier and bleed more easily. This usually begins in the first three months, is at its worst in the last three, and settles soon after the birth. It is not a reason to brush less, because plaque is still what drives it: keep brushing gently twice a day and cleaning between the teeth daily. NHS check-ups and treatment are free while you are pregnant and for 12 months after giving birth, using a maternity exemption certificate from your midwife or GP.

How can I prevent gum disease?

Preventing gum disease is mostly about removing plaque from the gum line every single day. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste containing 1350 to 1500ppm, then spit the paste out and do not rinse with water. Clean between the teeth daily, using interdental brushes in the sizes that fit your gaps, and floss only where a gap is too tight for a brush. If your gums bleed when you clean, keep going, because bleeding is inflammation and it settles as the plaque comes away. Mouthwash does not replace this and cannot stop periodontitis progressing. Not smoking makes the single biggest difference.