What is periodontitis and how is it treated? (gum disease)

In short: periodontitis (the old “pyorrhoea”) is a gum infection that destroys the bone holding the teeth. It begins as simple bleeding when brushing and, if left untreated, ends up loosening the teeth until they are lost. The good news: it can be halted, and the sooner it is caught, the more teeth are saved. That is why bleeding gums are never “normal”.

How does it begin?

Almost always with something people ignore: gums that bleed when brushing or with fruit. That is gingivitis, the initial and still reversible stage. The problem is that it does not hurt, so it gets let slide.

If it is not treated, the infection goes deeper and starts to destroy the bone around the root. At that point we are talking about periodontitis, and the damage to the bone does not recover. We look at the exact difference in gingivitis and periodontitis.

What are the warning signs?

Pay attention if you notice:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or spontaneously.
• Gums that are red, swollen or that have receded (the teeth “look longer”).
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
• Sensitivity or noticing the teeth feel “looser” or have moved.

If any of this sounds familiar, do not leave it. Sustained bleeding is the earliest warning sign and the easiest to treat. We have a specific guide on bleeding gums, what to do.

How is it treated?

The basis of periodontics treatment is a deep clean below the gum, called scaling and root planing, which removes the tartar and bacteria from the root. It is usually done over several sessions and with anaesthetic to keep it comfortable. In advanced cases surgery may be needed to regenerate or clean deep areas.

Then comes the most important part: maintenance. Periodontitis is a chronic disease that is controlled, not fully cured, so regular check-ups and cleans are needed to stop it advancing again. If you want to go deeper, we cover it in can pyorrhoea be cured?.

Why does it matter beyond the mouth?

Because periodontitis does not stay in the mouth: there is evidence linking it to heart, diabetes and pregnancy problems, among others. Having healthy gums is also looking after your general health. We look at this in gums and general health.

Do not wait for a tooth to become loose before acting. If your gums bleed, come in for a check-up. The first visit is free and we tell you where you stand and what to do. Book an appointment as soon as you can.