Gum disease is a common cause of tooth loss in adults, yet in its early stages it is easy to miss. It starts when plaque builds up along the gumline and the gums become red, swollen and prone to bleeding. This early stage, called gingivitis, can usually be reversed with professional cleaning and good brushing at home.
If it is not treated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. The gum and bone that support the teeth are slowly damaged, pockets form between the gums and teeth, and teeth can become loose. At Divine Dental Care in Ankleshwar, gum treatment starts with a careful examination, followed by a plan that matches how far the disease has progressed.
What the treatment involves
Gum treatment is usually done in stages:
- Scaling and polishing – for gingivitis and mild disease, removing plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline. See teeth cleaning and scaling.
- Deep cleaning – also called root planing, for deeper pockets. The root surfaces below the gumline are cleaned and smoothed so the gum can heal against them. This is often done under local anaesthetic and may be split over more than one visit.
- Gum surgery – if deep pockets remain after deep cleaning, a minor surgical procedure may be advised so the roots can be cleaned thoroughly. The dentist will explain what is involved if you need it.
- Maintenance – regular review and cleaning visits, because gum disease can return if plaque builds up again.
Gum health is linked with general health. Smoking and chewing tobacco make gum disease worse and slow healing, and diabetes that is not well controlled raises the risk. Hormone changes during pregnancy can also make gums swell and bleed more easily.
Common reasons patients come in
- Gums that bleed when brushing, flossing or eating
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste that keeps coming back
- Gums that have pulled back, making teeth look longer
- Teeth that feel loose or have started to move apart
- Pus between the teeth and gums
How the treatment works at Divine Dental Care
- Gum examination. The dentist checks your gums and gently measures the depth of the space between the gums and each tooth.
- X-rays. Low-radiation digital X-rays may be taken to see the bone level around the teeth.
- Explaining the findings. You are told what stage the gum disease is at, which teeth are affected and which treatment is suggested, with the options explained clearly.
- Cleaning. Ultrasonic scaling and, where needed, deep cleaning of the root surfaces are carried out, with the area numbed if needed.
- Home-care plan. You are shown how to clean along the gums and between the teeth, including with interdental brushes if they suit you.
- Re-check. After a few weeks of healing, the gums are reviewed to see how they have responded and whether further treatment, such as gum surgery, is needed.
Aftercare and recovery
After deep cleaning, your gums may feel sore and your teeth sensitive to cold for a few days. A soft toothbrush and a toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help. As inflammation settles, the gums often shrink a little, so teeth can look slightly longer and small gaps may appear. This is a sign of swelling going down, not damage from the treatment.
After gum surgery, the dentist will give you specific instructions. Take only pain relief your doctor or pharmacist says is safe for you, and any medicines exactly as the dentist prescribes. The most important part of gum treatment is what you do every day: thorough brushing, cleaning between the teeth and, if you use tobacco, stopping. If your gums bleed regularly, book an appointment at the Ankleshwar clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for gums to bleed when I brush?
No. Bleeding gums are a common early sign of gum disease. Do not stop brushing; brush gently but thoroughly, and have your gums checked.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis can usually be reversed. Periodontitis can be controlled and stopped from getting worse, but bone that has been lost does not usually grow back on its own. Regular maintenance visits help keep it under control.
Will deep cleaning hurt?
The area can be numbed with local anaesthetic, so most people feel pressure and vibration rather than pain.
Is gum treatment safe during pregnancy?
Gum treatment is generally considered safe during pregnancy and can help with pregnancy-related gum problems. Tell the dentist you are pregnant and speak with your doctor, as some treatment may be timed for the middle months of pregnancy.
Can loose teeth become firm again?
Sometimes teeth become firmer once the gums heal, but this depends on how much bone support is left. Teeth with very little support may not be saveable, and the dentist will explain the options, which may include dental implants once the gums are healthy.
Every mouth is different. The right treatment for you is decided only after Dr. Dhara M. Sudani examines your teeth and, if needed, takes an X-ray. This page is general information, not a diagnosis.