TL;DR: Gum disease begins as gingivitis, where plaque irritates the gums and makes them red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. Untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which damages the bone that holds teeth. Gingivitis is reversible with good cleaning and professional care. A dentist or hygienist diagnoses and stages gum disease. This guide has 10 sections and answers 4 frequently asked questions. It lists 4 primary sources, from NHS.uk, bsperio.org.uk and the BDA. Facts were checked on 2026-10-13; it is educational information, not clinical advice.
Educational information only, not clinical advice. Facts are checked against the primary sources listed under Sources (NHS.uk, GDC, CQC and peer-reviewed research), last checked 13 October 2026.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is inflammation and infection of the tissues that support the teeth, caused mainly by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. NHS.uk describes it as very common and mostly preventable. It has two main stages: gingivitis, which affects the gums only, and periodontitis, which also affects the bone and ligaments.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, in which the gums become red, puffy, and bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing. There is usually no bone loss at this stage. The condition is reversible when plaque is removed thoroughly each day and any hardened deposits are cleaned off by a dental professional.
Bleeding gums are a sign to clean gently but regularly, not to stop brushing. If bleeding continues after a couple of weeks, see a dentist.
What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis develops when gum inflammation extends below the gum line and damages the bone and fibres that anchor the teeth. Signs can include persistent bad breath, gums that pull away from the teeth, deep pockets, loose teeth, or changes in how the teeth fit together. The damage is not fully reversible, but treatment can stop it from getting worse.
Some people have no obvious symptoms until the disease is advanced, which is why regular check-ups matter.
What are the risk factors for gum disease?
Risk factors include poor plaque control, smoking, diabetes, some medicines, hormonal changes, stress, and a family history of gum disease. Smoking is a major risk factor and can mask bleeding, which hides early warning signs. A dentist can discuss individual risk.
How do dentists treat gum disease?
Treatment depends on the stage. For gingivitis, a dentist or hygienist cleans away plaque and tartar and coaches the patient on home care. For periodontitis, the clinician may carry out deeper cleaning under the gum line, known as root surface debridement, and review the response. Some cases are referred to a periodontist, a GDC-registered specialist in gum disease.
See dental hygienist visit and plaque and tartar removal for what happens at a cleaning appointment.
What can I do at home to protect my gums?
The NHS advises brushing twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth daily, limiting sugary food and drink, and not smoking. Use interdental brushes or floss as the dentist recommends. A dentist or hygienist can show the right size and technique for each patient.
Home care supports professional treatment. It does not replace it once tartar or deep pockets have formed.
When should I see a dentist about my gums?
See a dentist if gums bleed regularly, feel sore or swollen, recede, or if you notice persistent bad breath or a loose tooth. Sudden severe pain with facial swelling, or swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, needs urgent care through NHS 111 or 999. A related issue is sensitive teeth, and tooth decay stages is a separate problem often confused with gum disease.
You can browse Essex dentists in the Essex directory and check registration on the GDC register.
How many Essex practices list periodontal care?
Figures come from our directory snapshot of 331 published Essex practices (2026-09-30). “Lists” means the practice’s own website or Google listing mentions the service. It does not confirm the service is offered today, funded by the NHS, or that the practice is taking on patients.
| District | Practices listing it | Practices in district |
|---|---|---|
| Colchester | 18 | 44 |
| Chelmsford | 15 | 34 |
| Southend-on-Sea | 15 | 41 |
| Brentwood | 10 | 22 |
| Epping Forest | 10 | 33 |
| Braintree | 8 | 24 |
| Tendring | 8 | 19 |
| Thurrock | 8 | 23 |
| All districts | 123 | 331 |
Listing is not a statement that the practice has a specialist periodontist. Specialist status is a GDC register check on the clinician.
Should I stop cleaning where my gums bleed?
The instinct backfires. Avoiding bleeding gums lets plaque build up, which keeps them inflamed. Gentle, consistent cleaning along the gumline is the usual advice. If bleeding continues for more than about two weeks, see a dentist.
Prepare for your appointment
Note beforehand:
- How long gums have bled, and when (brushing, flossing, or without prompting)
- Smoking or vaping
- Diabetes or other conditions, and current medicines
- Family history of gum disease or tooth loss
Ask:
- Were my gums measured (a periodontal screening)? What were the results?
- Is this gingivitis or periodontitis, and what does that change?
- What is the plan, how often will I be reviewed, and who does the cleaning?
Other dental topics covered on this site: NHS dentist in Essex, the dental implant process, timeline and cost factors and braces and Invisalign in Essex.
To find a practice, browse dentists in Essex by district.
FAQ
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis can be reversed. Periodontitis can usually be controlled, though lost bone does not regrow without specific treatment.
Is bleeding a reason to stop brushing?
No. Keep cleaning gently and see a dentist if it persists.
Does gum disease affect general health?
Research links periodontitis with other conditions such as diabetes, but the relationship is complex. Ask a dentist or GP.
Who treats advanced gum disease?
Dentists, hygienists, and, for complex cases, specialist periodontists.
Sources
- NHS.uk, Gum disease: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease/
- NHS.uk, How to keep your teeth clean: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/how-to-keep-your-teeth-clean/
- British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry: https://www.bsperio.org.uk/
- British Dental Association: https://www.bda.org/