Gum disease

If you have a dental problem you should, in the first instance always phone the dental practice that you normally attend. If you are not registered with any dental practice then you should read our advice on dental emergencies.

Gum disease is a very common condition where the gums become swollen, sore or infected.

Most adults in the UK have gum disease to some degree and most people experience it at least once. It’s much less common in children.

If you have gum disease, your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and you may have bad breath. This early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis.

If gingivitis isn’t treated, a condition called periodontitis can develop. This affects more tissues that support teeth and hold them in place.

If periodontitis isn’t treated, the bone in your jaw may be damaged and small spaces can open up between the gum and teeth. Your teeth can become loose and may eventually fall out.

Read more about the symptoms of gum disease.

Symptoms

Healthy gums should be pink, firm and keep your teeth securely in place. Your gums shouldn’t bleed when you touch or brush them.

Gum disease isn’t always painful and you may be unaware you have it. It’s important to have regular dental check-ups.


The initial symptoms of gum disease can include:

red and swollen gums bleeding gums after brushing or flossing your teeth

This stage of gum disease is called gingivitis.


If gingivitis is untreated, the tissues and bone that support the teeth can also become affected. This is known as periodontitis, or periodontal disease.

Symptoms of periodontitis can include:

bad breath (halitosis) an unpleasant taste in your mouth loose teeth that can make eating difficult gum abscesses (collections of pus that develop under your gums or teeth)