Bleeding gums when you brush might seem like a minor annoyance, but it is often the first warning sign of gum disease – one of the most common (and most overlooked) dental problems we see at Croydon Dental Practice. Left untreated, it is also the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
The good news is that gum disease is highly preventable, and in its early stages, completely reversible. Here is what to look out for and how we can help.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease develops in two main stages:
- Gingivitis – the early stage, caused by a build-up of plaque along the gum line. Gums become red, swollen and prone to bleeding, but the underlying bone and tissue are not yet damaged.
- Periodontitis – if gingivitis is left untreated, the infection spreads below the gum line, damaging the bone and tissue that support your teeth. This stage can lead to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain when chewing
If any of these sound familiar, it is worth booking a check-up rather than waiting for things to get worse.
What Causes Gum Disease?
The main culprit is plaque – a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If it is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which only a dentist or hygienist can remove. Other factors that increase your risk include:
- Smoking or vaping
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Diabetes and other underlying health conditions
- Hormonal changes, including pregnancy
- Certain medications that reduce saliva flow
- A family history of gum disease
How We Treat Gum Disease at Croydon Dental Practice
Professional Scale and Polish
Our hygienists carefully remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, smoothing the tooth surface to make it harder for bacteria to reattach.
Deep Cleaning for Advanced Cases
For more advanced periodontitis, we may recommend root surface debridement, a more thorough clean beneath the gum line to help the tissue reattach to the tooth.
A Tailored Home Care Routine
We will talk you through brushing technique, interdental cleaning and any products that could help control plaque between visits.
Ongoing Monitoring
Gum disease needs to be actively managed. We will recommend a review schedule to keep track of your gum health and catch any changes early.
Can Gum Disease Be Reversed?
Gingivitis can usually be reversed completely with improved oral hygiene and a professional clean. Periodontitis cannot be fully reversed once bone has been lost, but with the right treatment and care it can be stabilised, protecting the teeth you still have. Early action makes all the difference, which is why regular check-ups matter even when nothing seems wrong.
Ready to Protect Your Gums?
If you have noticed bleeding, swelling or any of the symptoms above, do not wait for it to pass on its own. Book a check-up with our team and we will assess your gum health and put together a plan to get things back on track.
📞 Call us: 020 8656 6959 📍 Visit us: 202 Lower Addiscombe Rd, Croydon, CR0 7AB ✨ See our General Dentistry Services