Periodontal Treatment

Gum disease is caused by bacteria which live in plaque and have the ability to cause bone and soft tissue damage leading to tooth mobility.

‘Pockets’ develop, where the gum has become detached from the root surface. This creates niches in which plaque builds up, leading to increased damage, deeper pockets, more plaque and the disease spirals on.

According to the Adult Dental Health survey 1998: 54% of adults with some or all their teeth had gum disease in one form or another, with the proportion increasing with age. (The 2008 Adult Dental Health Survey is due for publication March 2011, when it is likely that this figure will have increased.)

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The Adult Dental Health Survey collects information every 10 years about the condition of adults’ teeth and dental hygiene. It investigates dental experiences, knowledge of and attitudes towards dental care and oral hygiene. The 2009 survey was published in 2011 which showed that overall:

45% of adults had periodontal ( gum) disease, down form 54% in 1998. 

28% of adults had decay , down form 46% in 1998

15% od adults had increased tooth wear, up from 11%in 1998

The 2019 dental health survey has yet to be published

The signs to look out for are:

• Bad breath and or bad taste.
• Redness and swelling in the gums.
• Bleeding from the gums when you brush them.
• Soreness in the gums.
• Teeth drifting or appearing to drop below the level of the other teeth.
• The gums shrinking and the appearance of black spaces between the teeth.
• Teeth feeling loose.
• The bite feeling altered.

Mild forms of gum disease (gingivitis) can be easily treated with little or no permanent damage being done.

More chronic (longer term) gum disease (periodontitis) can be stabilised with treatment but any bone loss that has already occurred is irreversible. Treatment involves removing all the debris from the root and tooth surfaces (by professional mechanical plaque removal) and washing out the pockets with chlorhexidine (Corsodyl).

This is usually done over a number of visits under local anaesthesia either with the dentist or hygienist, or alternatively full mouth disinfection can be carried out in one long visit. You will be given a home care plan detailing exactly how you need to clean the teeth and instruction for the use of floss and/or interdental brushes. As much of the work has to be done by the patient at home, success may be dependant on how well the advice is followed. It often means a complete change in oral hygiene habits. The biggest difference you can make is to stop smoking.

Once all the pocketing and inflammation have gone you will be given a maintenance programme with the hygienist, which may be anything from monthly to three monthly visits. This is as bone loss is permanent, you are at risk from pocketing returning, so it is essential to have them checked and professionally cleaned regularly.