Gum health and periodontal care
Healthy gums. Care that works with you.
Looking after your gums is an important part of keeping your teeth. We’ll help you understand your gum health, find a daily routine that works for you and plan any treatment you need.
Understanding your gums
Bleeding, swollen gums or persistent bad breath are worth checking, even if nothing hurts.
Gingivitis
Inflamed gums, without loss of the bone supporting your teeth. Effective cleaning can usually reverse it.
Periodontitis
Gum disease that damages the support around teeth. Treatment aims to stabilise it and protect the support that remains.
Gum disease is common. Whether you have noticed a change or haven’t visited for a while, we’re here to help without judgement.
Working together
Your gum care, step by step
Your dentist, hygienist or therapist will tailor these stages to your needs and explain the plan and costs before treatment.
- 1
Understand
Assess your gums, health and concerns. Take measurements and X-rays where needed.
- 2
Build your routine
Find the right brushes and practise cleaning the areas that need extra attention.
- 3
Treat
Remove deposits above and, where needed, below the gums. Numbing can help keep you comfortable.
- 4
Review
Check healing and repeat measurements. Discuss further care or referral if needed.
- 5
Maintain
Keep up your home care and attend maintenance visits at intervals recommended for you.
Small steps, every day
A simpler cleaning routine
Brush carefully
Use fluoride toothpaste and clean every tooth surface, including the gumline. Spit out afterwards without rinsing.
Clean between
Use the interdental brush sizes we recommend. Floss can help where spaces are too tight for a brush.
Keep it manageable
Choose a regular time. Ask us to demonstrate your technique; plaque disclosing tablets can help show missed areas.
Need a visual reminder? The oral hygiene leaflet below includes diagrams of brushing and cleaning between your teeth.
Read, save or print
Patient information leaflets
Clear guides from the British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry (BSP).
Looking after your gums
Understand gum disease and what treatment involves.
Brushing and cleaning
Illustrated techniques and tips for your daily routine.
Diabetes and your gums
How diabetes and gum health affect each other.
These links open BSP leaflets in a new tab. Please read them alongside your individual advice.
If you have diabetes, tell us about your recent blood sugar control. Smoking also affects gum health and healing; we can help you find support to stop.
A few useful things to know
Will my gums recover?
Gingivitis can usually be reversed. With periodontitis, we aim to control disease; lost support does not normally grow back. Daily cleaning and ongoing care are both important.
What might change after treatment?
As swelling settles, teeth may look longer or spaces become more noticeable. Some sensitivity is possible. Tell us if you are uncomfortable so we can help.
Should I stop cleaning if my gums bleed?
Bleeding can be a sign of inflammation. Continue gentle cleaning and arrange an assessment. Contact us promptly about heavy or persistent bleeding, pain or swelling.
Let’s look after your gums together
Book through our Dentally patient portal and choose a hygiene appointment. If you have been advised to book periodontal treatment, call reception so we can arrange the right appointment for your care plan.
