Key Takeaway
Gum disease can be reversed in its early stage (gingivitis) through improved oral hygiene and professional cleaning, but advanced gum disease (periodontitis) requires specialist care from a periodontist.
At Whites Dental in London’s Waterloo and Marble Arch, our expert team provides both non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatments to restore gum health, prevent tooth loss and protect your smile long-term.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease, medically known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It typically starts with plaque build-up—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth.
When plaque isn’t removed through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, irritating the gums and causing inflammation. This leads to gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, where the infection damages the bone and ligaments supporting your teeth.
💡 Gum disease affects nearly half of UK adults, but with the right care, it’s treatable—and often preventable.
Step 1: Improve Your Daily Oral Hygiene
The first step in getting rid of gum disease begins at home. Consistent, proper oral hygiene helps control bacterial growth and stop gum inflammation from worsening.
- Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and freshen breath.
- Avoid smoking, which restricts blood flow and slows gum healing.
💡 Tip: Electric toothbrushes with oscillating heads are proven to remove more plaque than manual ones, helping keep your gums healthier.
Step 2: Professional Dental Cleaning (Scaling & Polishing)
Even with excellent brushing, plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas. That’s why regular professional cleanings are essential.
During a scale and polish, your dental hygienist or dentist removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. This reduces gum irritation and gives your gums a chance to heal naturally.
At Whites Dental, our hygienists in Waterloo SE1 and Marble Arch W2 use ultrasonic scalers—gentle yet effective tools that provide a deep, comfortable clean.
💡 Frequency: Most patients benefit from a hygiene visit every 3–6 months, depending on gum health.
Step 3: Deep Cleaning (Scaling And Root Planing)
If gum disease has progressed beyond gingivitis, your dentist or periodontist will recommend scaling and root planing—a deep cleaning procedure that removes bacteria from below the gum line.
- Scaling removes tartar and bacterial deposits from tooth roots.
- Root planing smooths rough areas so gums can reattach to teeth.
This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic for comfort and may require several sessions depending on severity.
💡 At Whites Dental, our periodontists combine traditional techniques with laser-assisted cleaning, allowing faster healing and minimal discomfort.
Step 4: Specialist Periodontal Treatment
When gum disease has caused significant tissue or bone damage, periodontal treatment is needed.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Includes deep cleaning, antibiotics, and laser therapy to control infection.
Surgical Treatment
For advanced cases, surgery may be required to remove infected tissue, reshape gums or regenerate lost bone.
Common procedures include:
- Flap surgery to clean deep gum pockets.
- Bone grafts to rebuild lost bone support.
- Gum grafts to restore receded gum lines.
These treatments are performed by skilled periodontists—experts in gum and bone health. At Whites Dental, our London periodontists tailor every treatment plan to your unique condition, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Step 5: Regular Maintenance
Once gum disease has been treated, maintenance is key to prevent recurrence.
Your dentist or periodontist will recommend regular maintenance visits every 3–4 months. These appointments include:
- Professional cleaning to remove new plaque.
- Monitoring of gum pockets.
- Personalised oral hygiene advice.
💡 At Whites Dental, our aftercare plans are designed to keep your gums stable and prevent future flare-ups—helping you maintain the results of your gum disease treatment.
Can Gum Disease Be Cured?
👉 Gingivitis can be completely reversed with consistent brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings.
However, once gum disease – gingivitis worsens and progresses and turns to periodontitis, it becomes a more serious issue – it becomes a chronic condition. While it cannot be cured entirely, it can be controlled and stabilised with proper treatment and maintenance.
That’s why early detection and prompt care are essential—treating gum disease before it reaches the advanced stage is simpler, faster and more affordable.
Signs You May Need Professional Help
Gum disease often develops silently, but watch for these warning signs:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gum line
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Sensitivity when chewing
💡 If you experience any of these symptoms, book a consultation at Whites Dental right away. The sooner treatment begins, the better the results.
How Much Does Gum Disease Treatment Cost In London?
Treatment costs depend on the severity of the condition and the type of care needed.
| Treatment | Typical Cost (London) |
|---|---|
| Hygiene appointment | £85 – £135 |
| Deep cleaning (per quadrant) | £150 – £250 |
| Full-mouth deep cleaning | £500 – £700 |
| Periodontal surgery | From £500 per area |
| Maintenance visit | £90 – £150 |
At Whites Dental, we believe everyone deserves access to quality gum care. Our private dentists in Central London provide clear, upfront pricing and offer flexible payment plans to make periodontal treatment accessible to all. Our private dentistry fees for periodontal treatment are surprisingly good value for money.
NHS Vs Private Gum Disease Treatment
The NHS covers basic gum care under Band 2 dental treatment, including a standard scale and polish. However, for advanced gum disease (periodontitis), the NHS rarely provides specialist care due to limited availability.
Private periodontal treatment offers:
- Immediate access to a periodontist
- Advanced technology like lasers and digital imaging
- Longer, more detailed appointments
- Personalised aftercare plans.
Patients across London often choose Whites Dental in Waterloo SE1 and Marble Arch W2 for these reasons—ensuring faster, more comfortable and longer-lasting results.
Natural Remedies: Do They Work?
Some natural methods may help support gum health, but they cannot replace professional treatment.
Examples include:
- Saltwater rinses – help soothe inflamed gums.
- Aloe vera gel – may reduce irritation.
- Oil pulling – can temporarily reduce bacteria.
While these can complement your dentist’s advice, gum disease requires professional cleaning to remove hardened tartar and bacteria beneath the gum line.
How Long Does It Take To Get Rid of Gum Disease?
The timeline depends on the stage of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: Can improve within 2–3 weeks of good oral hygiene and a professional cleaning.
- Mild Periodontitis: May take 1–3 months of deep cleaning and aftercare
- Severe Periodontitis: Requires ongoing management and maintenance to stabilise over several months
💡 At Whites Dental, we focus on both immediate improvement and long-term stability to give you lasting results.
Lifestyle Tips To Support Healthy Gums
Keeping your gums healthy isn’t just about brushing—it’s about overall wellbeing.
Here are a few lifestyle changes that make a big difference:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
- Quit smoking, which slows healing and increases gum disease risk
- Stay hydrated to support saliva flow, which helps neutralise bacteria.
- Reduce stress, as it can weaken your immune response and worsen inflammation.
💡 Healthy habits go hand-in-hand with professional care to protect your gums long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can gum disease go away on its own?
A: No. Gingivitis can improve with better hygiene, but advanced gum disease requires professional gum treatment.
Q: Is gum disease painful?
A: Not always. Many people don’t feel pain until the disease is advanced—another reason to have regular check-ups.
Q: Will I lose my teeth if I have gum disease?
A: Not if you get timely treatment. Early intervention by a gum disease specialist or periodontist can save your teeth and gums.
Q: How can I prevent gum disease from coming back?
A: Maintain excellent oral hygiene, attend regular cleanings, and avoid smoking.
Periodontal Treatment At Whites Dental London
At Whites Dental, we provide advanced gum disease treatment at our two convenient Central London locations:
Whites Dental Waterloo (SE1)
📍 172 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8ER
📞 020 8616 0590
Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2)
📍 52B Kendal St, St George’s Fields, London W2 2BP
📞 020 3576 2325
Our friendly team uses state-of-the-art periodontal technology to deliver gentle, effective care in a relaxed environment.
👉 For full details, visit our periodontal treatment clinic for gum disease.
Learn how our expert periodontists treat gum disease with precision and care—helping you enjoy a healthy, confident smile.
Final Thoughts: The Path To Healthy Gums
Gum disease is common—but it’s not inevitable. With good hygiene, regular dental visits, and professional periodontal care, you can stop gum disease in its tracks and protect your smile for life.
At Whites Dental in Waterloo SE1 and Marble Arch W2, our team of skilled periodontists and hygienists are passionate about restoring and maintaining healthy gums.
💡 Book your consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, brighter smile.