Gum Disease

At Gallions Reach, we offer a high degree of expertise in periodontology which enables us to treat severe gum disease. However, if the condition is too advanced for us to save your teeth, we are ideally placed to assess your viability for implant replacements and offer immediate advice and options.

Protect your smile with expert gum care

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues, but with early detection and the right care, it can be effectively managed or even reversed. At Gallions Reach Dental Clinic, we offer tailored treatments to help prevent, control, and treat gum disease at every stage. Whether you’re experiencing bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum sensitivity, our experienced team will assess your gum health and recommend the most appropriate care for your needs.

From routine deep cleaning and scaling to more advanced periodontal treatments, we focus on protecting the foundations of your smile. Healthy gums are essential not just for your teeth but for your overall well-being, and we’re here to help you maintain them. Our approach combines professional treatment with clear, practical advice on how to care for your gums at home, so you can enjoy long-term results and renewed confidence in your oral health.

Please note that the services shown on this page may differ for NHS-exempt patients.

Ioanna’s ‘What is gum disease?’ – VIDEO

Our team has advanced expertise in periodontology

Ioanna’s ‘What causes gum disease?’ – VIDEO

Speak to our Experts

Talk to our patient care manager today to discuss the options available and to arrange your initial appointment.

Book a Consultation

Why patients trust us for their gum disease treatment

With over 30 years of experience, our expert team has supported the oral health of more than 170,000 patients across Greenwich and South-East London. Many people choose us for gum disease care because we offer:

A convenient location – We’re just a short distance from Abbey Wood Station on the Elizabeth Line, a 30-minute walk or 10-minute bus ride away.
State-of-the-art facilities – Our modern, fully refurbished clinic provides a calm and welcoming environment, helping you feel at ease throughout your visit.
An experienced and caring team – Our dentists and hygienists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating gum disease at all stages. You’ll receive personalised care and expert support every step of the way.
Comprehensive periodontal care – From routine hygiene appointments to advanced gum treatment, we offer tailored solutions to restore and protect your gum health.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is your body’s inflammatory response to the build-up of plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) around your teeth and gums.

It has two main forms – gingivitis and periodontitis:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the non-destructive inflammation of the gums. The gums become swollen, red and tender, with a tendency to bleed when you brush. If we catch it early, gingivitis can be reversed and no destruction to the supporting structures of the tooth will occur. However, if the early signs are ignored, it can escalate (often without warning) into the far more serious periodontitis.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis causes damage that is irreversible. It leads to the destruction of the structures supporting the teeth. It is characterised by the detachment of the gum from the teeth and the formation of deep gum ‘pockets’. As it is allowed to progress, periodontitis will lead to the loss of bone around your teeth. At best, treatment can manage the disease and arrest further degradation. At worst, your teeth will become painful to chew on, loosen and could fall out completely.

Once diagnosed, the condition remains with you for life and will need constant monitoring and control

The risk factors for gum disease Anything that adversely affects your body’s immune response to bacteria will increase your susceptibility to gum disease, and its severity and progression will be determined by the effectiveness of that response. Well recognised risk factors for gum disease include smoking and poorly controlled diabetes. Conversely a major factor in reducing your risk is to scrupulously follow a recommended oral health routine at home: we, as patients, can exert a powerful force against gum disease by inhibiting the build-up of plaque in the first place. How we treat gum disease Gingivitis is usually treated – and cured – by the hygienist, alongside your diligent following of the home oral health routine we will recommend.

Ioanna’s ‘How is gum disease treated?’ – VIDEO

Meet our expert team

Our dentists offer gum disease treatment plans to patients from across South-East London, Surrey, and Kent. Click on the profiles below for further information.

Can we cure gum disease?

We can generally cure gingivitis. However if it has progressed into periodontitis, any existing damage is irreversible: our treatment and your diligence can simply stabilise the condition. Once diagnosed, gum disease is with you for life.

How do we treat gum disease?

We seek to control the harmful bacteria by reducing and minimising plaque.

We clean bacteria away from both above and below the gum line to reduce the inflammation, and sometimes use antibiotics to reduce bacterial levels
We teach you the best methods for effective daily home cleaning of teeth and gums to remove bacteria
If you have severe gum disease you may require surgical treatment to access deep pockets, remove inflamed gum tissue and bacterial deposits or to help grow bone around teeth
We check and monitor your response to treatment to guard against recurrence.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is your body’s inflammatory response to plaque build-up (a sticky film of bacteria) around your teeth and gums.

Is gum disease hereditary?

Yes, to an extent. Recent studies suggest that up to 30% of the population may have some genetic susceptibility to periodontal disease.

Can gum disease cause bad breath?

Yes, it is one possible cause. Bacteria that cause gum disease live below the gumline and can produce a volatile sulphur compound which is often responsible for bad breath.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

Typically bad breath and bleeding gums. If you smoke, however, the absence of bleeding can be attributable to the effects of smoking (which, to a greater or lesser extent, constricts the blood vessels).

Is gum disease treatment painful?

No, although it may be a little uncomfortable: we do our utmost to limit any pain with a local anaesthetic. However it is certainly something that most people would prefer to avoid, if they can.

Is gum disease avoidable?

Usually, yes. Regular dental check-ups to assess your oral health and identify possible risk factors for gum disease can help you to prevent its occurrence. Although your individual susceptibility may predispose you to the development of gum disease, good and meticulous oral hygiene measures at home to prevent the build-up of plaque is often enough as prevention. Education by a dental health professional on the correct techniques of toothbrushing and interdental cleaning is of paramount importance to ensure you are doing the best you can at home.

Frequently asked questions

Arrange a gum health assessment

If you’ve noticed signs of gum disease or want to take proactive steps to protect your oral health, we’re here to help. Our friendly and professional team will work with you to restore and maintain healthy gums in a calm, supportive setting.

To book a gum health check or find out more about our periodontal treatments, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.