Gum Disease Treatment
in Southwark, London SE1

Q: How often do I need maintenance after gum treatment?

After we get your gums healthy again, regular maintenance visits are key to keeping gum disease from returning. We usually recommend coming in about every 3 months initially for periodontal maintenance cleanings. At these visits, we will clean under your gums and monitor your gum health closely. Many patients stick to 3-month intervals for at least the first year after treatment, as this gives the best chance to keep the bacteria under control. If everything stays stable after a year or so, we might extend your visits to every 4 or 6 months – it really depends on how your gums respond and your personal risk factors. We tailor the maintenance schedule to your needs. The main thing is to keep up with whatever interval we set, so problems are caught early. Think of it as your gum MOT – regular check-ups and cleanings to ensure all is well. Skipping maintenance could allow gum disease to creep back, so we’ll work together to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Q: Do I need a referral for gum disease treatment?

No referral is needed – you can contact us directly for gum disease concerns. You don’t have to be sent by another dentist or a GP. Many of our patients self-refer by calling us when they notice symptoms like bleeding gums or persistent bad breath. Of course, we also welcome patients referred by local dentists or doctors, but it’s not a requirement. If you’re worried about your gums, simply give us a call or book an appointment – our Southwark periodontal team is ready to help, no paperwork or referral needed. We’ll communicate with your general dentist about your treatment (with your permission) if you were referred, to ensure continuity of care. But if you found us on your own, that’s perfectly fine too! The important thing is that you get the gum care you need.

Are your gums bleeding or feeling sore? At Calm Dental in Southwark (SE1), we provide gentle gum disease treatment to help you restore your healthy smile.

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is very common, but it can be treated and managed with the right care. Our modern, patient-centred approach ensures you get effective treatment – no unnecessary pain or worry.

If you’re concerned about your gum health, don’t wait. Book a gum health check (included in new patient exam) and take the first step towards healthier gums today.

What Is Gum Disease? (Gingivitis vs Periodontitis)

Gum disease is an infection of the gums caused by plaque bacteria. It comes in two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is early gum disease – your gums may look red or puffy and bleed easily when brushing, but the bone around your teeth isn’t affected at this stage.

The good news is gingivitis is reversible with prompt treatment and good oral hygiene. Periodontitis is more advanced gum disease. Here, long-term plaque buildup causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming “pockets.”

Bacteria invade these pockets and start damaging the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis can lead to loose teeth or even tooth loss if not treated. Our aim at Calm Dental is to catch gum problems early (at the gingivitis stage) and prevent progression. But even if you already have periodontitis, don’t worry – our periodontal treatment Southwark services can help stop it from getting worse and keep your smile stable.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease often sneaks up without causing obvious pain, so it’s important to know the signs. The most common symptom is bleeding gums, especially when you brush or floss. You might notice blood in the sink or on your toothbrush.

Healthy gums generally shouldn’t bleed, so don’t ignore this. Other symptoms include gum redness and swelling – your gums may look redder than normal or feel puffy and tender.

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can also be a clue, as the bacteria in gum pockets produce smelly compounds. In later stages, you might see gum recession (your teeth look longer as gums shrink back) or feel that teeth are loosening. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s wise to see a dentist. At our Bermondsey clinic, we offer a thorough gum health check Southwark patients trust to identify gum disease early. Remember, early gum disease is often painless – bleeding or puffy gums are the red flags to act on.

Causes of Gum Disease

The primary cause of gum disease is plaque – that sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth. If plaque isn’t cleaned away effectively (by regular brushing and flossing), it hardens into tartar (calculus) which sticks tightly to teeth and gumlines. The bacteria in plaque and tartar irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and infection.

Poor oral hygiene is a big factor, but other things can raise your risk too. Smoking is a major risk factor – it reduces blood flow to the gums and can mask warning signs like bleeding.

Diet plays a role as well; a diet high in sugar feeds the harmful bacteria. Some people are more prone to gum disease due to their genetics or health conditions.

For example, diabetic patients can be more susceptible to infections, including gum disease. Hormonal changes (like pregnancy or menopause) can make gums more sensitive to plaque. Even stress can affect your gum health by impacting your immune response.

The good news is that by keeping up good daily oral care and having regular dental cleanings, you can remove the cause (plaque) and greatly reduce your chance of gum problems. Our team will also give you tailored advice on brushing, flossing, and diet to address the causes and keep your gums healthy.

Your Gum Health Assessment in Southwark
(included in the new patient exam)

During your regular exam we start with a thorough gum health assessment

This gentle examination helps us understand the state of your gums and plan the right treatment.

Here’s what to expect at your appointment:

First, the dentist will listen to your concerns – whether it’s bleeding gums, bad breath, or sensitivity. We then carefully examine your gums around each tooth. Using a small periodontal probe (a tiny measuring tool), we’ll measure the pockets around your teeth to see if the gums have loosened. We call out numbers for each tooth – numbers 1–3 mm usually indicate healthy gums, while higher numbers mean deeper pockets caused by gum disease.

Don’t worry, this charting process is quick, and we do it gently. We may also take dental X-rays (small radiographs) to check for bone loss around the teeth, which can occur in periodontitis. Throughout the assessment, we’ll explain our findings in simple terms, so you understand your gum condition

After the exam, we’ll discuss a personalised treatment plan with you

This includes what stage of gum disease you have (gingivitis or periodontitis), and what we can do to treat it.

We’ll also show you any problem areas on a mirror or on the X-rays if you like, so you can see what’s happening. Importantly, we’ll give you friendly tips on improving your home care – for example, techniques for brushing along the gumline, using interdental brushes or floss for those tricky areas, and any useful products.

Our goal is to partner with you in getting your gums healthy. Your gum health check is completely non-judgmental and informative – whether you live in Bermondsey, London Bridge, or anywhere in Southwark, we welcome you to ask questions and feel empowered to improve your gum health.

Once we’ve assessed your gums, the next step is treatment

Most cases of gum disease can be managed with non-surgical periodontal therapy, commonly known as a deep cleaning.

Non-surgical means we treat your gums without any incisions or gum surgery. The main procedure we perform is called scaling and root planing. You might hear it referred to as “deep cleaning” because it goes deeper than a routine polish.

Here’s how it works: scaling is the careful removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, all the way down to the bottom of those gum pockets. We use special ultrasonic scalers that vibrate and flush away deposits, plus fine hand instruments to make sure every bit of calculus is removed.

Root planing is the step where we smooth the root surfaces of your teeth under the gums. By making the roots nice and smooth, we help the gums reattach and heal. Don’t worry – we always ensure you’re comfortable during this process.

Gum Disease Treatment at Calm Dental, Southwark

Located near Bermondsey High Street, we are very accessible by Bus, Tube or Train:

Eighteen-minute walk from London Bridge tube and rail station (National Rail, Jubilee Line, Northern Line, Windrush)
Nineteen-minute walk from Bermondsey station (Jubilee Line)

We are on many bus routes, including the 1, 78, 188 and N1.

We have good disabled access for all our treatments and services including our well-proportioned bathroom.

We look forward to welcoming you in person very soon!

FAQs

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Healthy gums are pink and firm. If your gums bleed when brushing or flossing, look red or swollen, or you have persistent bad breath, these are common signs of gum disease. Early gum disease (gingivitis) often isn’t painful, so bleeding is a big clue. It’s best to see us for a gum health check if you notice these symptoms so we can catch any gum issues early and treat them.

Does deep cleaning (scaling & root planing) hurt?

We ensure you’re comfortable throughout a deep cleaning. If necessary, we’ll numb your gums with local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain – just some pressure or vibration as we work. You might have a bit of tenderness after the numbness wears off, but it’s usually mild and temporary. Most patients say the procedure is easier than expected, and any post-treatment soreness is minimal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief if needed.

How long does gum disease treatment take?

It depends on the severity of the gum disease. For gingivitis, one thorough cleaning visit might be sufficient. For more advanced periodontitis, we may divide the deep cleaning into multiple sessions (often 2–4 visits), each focusing on one part of the mouth. Each session lasts about an hour. We usually spread these out over a few weeks. After the initial treatment phase, we’ll do a review and then arrange regular maintenance visits (often every 3 months to start) to keep your gums healthy.

Will my gums grow back after treatment?

In early gum disease, inflamed gums can heal and tighten back up once treated – so they do recover. However, if gum disease has caused your gums to recede or bone to be lost (as in advanced periodontitis), that lost tissue won’t fully grow back on its own. Treatment will stop further damage and your gums will become healthier, but significantly receded gums may remain receded. In some cases, a gum specialist can perform grafts to rebuild gum tissue, but our main goal is to prevent that need by treating gum disease early.

Is gum disease linked to general health?

Yes. Studies have found that gum disease is connected to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation has been linked to higher risks of heart disease and stroke, and it can complicate diabetes control. There are also associations with conditions like pregnancy complications and Alzheimer’s disease. While research is ongoing, the consensus is that a healthy mouth is an important part of a healthy body. Treating gum disease not only protects your teeth, it may benefit your general health too (and vice versa – improving your overall health can help your gums).

How often do I need maintenance after gum treatment?

After we get your gums healthy again, regular maintenance visits are key to keeping gum disease from returning. We usually recommend coming in about every 3 months initially for periodontal maintenance cleanings. At these visits, we will clean under your gums and monitor your gum health closely. Many patients stick to 3-month intervals for at least the first year after treatment, as this gives the best chance to keep the bacteria under control. If everything stays stable after a year or so, we might extend your visits to every 4 or 6 months – it really depends on how your gums respond and your personal risk factors. We tailor the maintenance schedule to your needs. The main thing is to keep up with whatever interval we set, so problems are caught early. Think of it as your gum MOT – regular check-ups and cleanings to ensure all is well. Skipping maintenance could allow gum disease to creep back, so we’ll work together to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Do I need a referral for gum disease treatment?

No referral is needed – you can contact us directly for gum disease concerns. You don’t have to be sent by another dentist or a GP. Many of our patients self-refer by calling us when they notice symptoms like bleeding gums or persistent bad breath. Of course, we also welcome patients referred by local dentists or doctors, but it’s not a requirement. If you’re worried about your gums, simply give us a call or book an appointment – our Southwark periodontal team is ready to help, no paperwork or referral needed. We’ll communicate with your general dentist about your treatment (with your permission) if you were referred, to ensure continuity of care. But if you found us on your own, that’s perfectly fine too! The important thing is that you get the gum care you need.

Book Your Gum Disease Treatment Consultation

We’re ready to protect your smile

Gum Disease Treatment in Southwark, London SE1