How Do Dentists Treat Gum Disease?
Gum disease ranges from gingivitis (inflamed, bleeding gums) to periodontitis (where the supporting bone is affected). It’s common – but treatable – when caught early. If your gums bleed when brushing or you have persistent bad breath, it’s time to book a check-up so a clinician can assess and plan the right gum disease treatment for you.
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The Step-by-Step Approach Dentists Use
Modern periodontal treatment follows a structured, evidence-based, four-step pathway. Your dentist or hygienist will tailor these steps to you.
Step 1: Build the Foundations
- Assessment & coaching: exam, gum measurements, X-rays if needed; guidance on brushing technique and interdental cleaning (usually interdental brushes; floss for tight gaps).
- Risk factor control: support for smoking cessation and diabetes control if relevant.
- Professional cleaning above the gumline to remove plaque and calculus and set you up for success at home.
This first phase focuses on behaviour change and professional cleaning; for some with gingivitis, this alone resolves the problem.
Step 2: Deep Cleaning Under the Gums
If pockets remain, your dentist will carry out subgingival instrumentation (often called root surface debridement or “deep cleaning”) under local anaesthetic. This removes plaque and calculus from root surfaces you can’t reach at home.
Expect some short-term tenderness; results are reviewed after healing. Routine antibiotics aren’t usually needed; short courses or local antimicrobials are reserved for specific cases.
Step 3: Managing Non-Responding Areas (and When Surgery Helps)
If some deep pockets persist, options include repeating targeted deep cleaning or, where appropriate, periodontal surgery (for example, access flap procedures or regenerative techniques) typically performed by dentists with additional training or periodontists. The aim is to reduce pocket depths and make areas cleanable at home.
Step 4: Maintenance to Keep Gums Healthy
Long-term success relies on supportive periodontal care: regular reviews (often every 3–12 months, tailored to your risk) with professional cleaning and ongoing home-care coaching. This step maintains stability and catches any recurrence early.
What You Can Do at Home (That Really Helps)
- Brush twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste; spit, don’t rinse.
- Clean between teeth daily – interdental brushes are usually first choice; floss for tight gaps.
- Avoid mouthwash straight after brushing (it washes away fluoride).
- Don’t smoke, and keep medical conditions like diabetes well controlled.
These habits reduce bleeding and help treatment work.
Are Antibiotics Needed?
Antibiotics aren’t usually needed. For most people, professional cleaning plus great home care is the cornerstone of dentist gum treatment. Systemic antibiotics are not recommended routinely and are considered only in particular situations (for example, certain aggressive presentations) or acute infections. Short-term antiseptics (like chlorhexidine) may be used selectively.
NHS or Private: How Is It Charged?
In England, periodontal treatment (non-surgical and surgical) is charged as Band 2 on the NHS; a simple scale and polish is Band 1 only when clinically necessary. Charges change periodically – check the current NHS poster or ask your practice team.
Explore the differences between private and NHS dental care.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Book emergency dental care if you have severe pain, facial swelling, loose teeth, or ulcers with other concerning symptoms. If the practice is closed, call your dentist’s out-of-hours line or NHS 111 for advice.
Book a Gum Health Check
Riverdale practices provide full periodontal treatment – from early gum disease care to advanced therapy and maintenance – so you can keep your smile healthy long-term.
