Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the UK — and in its early stages it is painless, which is exactly what makes it dangerous. Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that diagnoses and treats it. At Gartside Street Dental Lounge in Spinningfields, we catch gum problems early and manage advanced cases with a structured, long-term plan.
Know the Warning Signs
Bleeding when you brush is not normal — it is the earliest sign of gingivitis. Other red flags: persistently bad breath, gums that look red or swollen, gums pulling away from the teeth, teeth that feel loose or have drifted, and discomfort when chewing. Because early gum disease rarely hurts, many patients first hear about it at a routine check-up — one more reason not to skip them.
From Gingivitis to Periodontitis
Gum disease is a spectrum. Gingivitis — inflammation caused by plaque at the gum line — is fully reversible with professional cleaning and good home care. Left alone, it can progress to periodontitis, where the infection destroys the bone supporting your teeth. That damage cannot be reversed, but it can be stopped and managed so you keep your teeth. The earlier we intervene, the simpler and cheaper the treatment.
How We Treat It
Treatment starts with a specialist periodontal consultation (£150) including full pocket charting to map exactly where the gums are affected. Early cases are usually resolved with professional hygiene treatment and a tailored home-care routine. More advanced disease needs deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) beneath the gum line, delivered over a course of visits with local anaesthetic for comfort, followed by regular maintenance appointments to hold the result. Where teeth have already been lost, we can discuss implants once the gums are stable.
Keeping Gums Healthy for Good
Periodontal care is a partnership: our cleaning plus your daily routine. Brush twice a day along the gum line, clean between teeth daily with interdental brushes, and do not smoke — smoking both accelerates gum disease and hides its bleeding warning sign. Patients with treated periodontitis benefit from hygiene visits every three months; our fee guide lists hygiene options from £80.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is periodontics?
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, including gum disease.
What are the signs of gum disease?
Common signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and pain when chewing. Early-stage gum disease often has no symptoms, so regular check-ups are important.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed with improved oral hygiene and professional cleaning. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) cannot be fully reversed but can be managed and controlled with treatment.
How is gum disease treated?
Treatment depends on the severity. Options range from professional deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to more advanced surgical procedures. We create a personalised treatment plan for each patient.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Brush twice daily, floss regularly, avoid smoking, and attend routine dental check-ups and hygiene appointments. Catching gum problems early makes them much easier to treat.
Is periodontic treatment painful?
We use local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable during treatment. Some patients experience mild tenderness afterwards, which usually resolves within a few days.
Why Choose Gartside Street Dental for Gum Treatment?
Gum disease is managed over years, not appointments — so consistency matters. You will see the same clinical team at every visit, with your pocket-depth measurements tracked over time so we can show you objectively whether things are improving. Calm, judgement-free care, two minutes from Deansgate-Castlefield.
