Signs of gum disease
- Gums that bleed when you brush, floss or eat hard food
- Red, swollen or sore gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste that doesn't go away
- Gums shrinking back from the teeth
- Loose teeth
- Pus around the gums, or an abscess
Periodontitis often doesn't hurt, which is why it can go unnoticed without regular check-ups.
What causes it
Gum disease is caused by plaque, the film of bacteria that builds up on teeth. If it isn't removed by brushing and cleaning between the teeth, it irritates the gums. Your risk is higher if you smoke or vape, have diabetes or are pregnant. A family history of gum disease, or medicines that cause a dry mouth, also raise it.
How our dentists manage it
How we manage your gum disease treatment
Check the gums
We look for bleeding, swelling and gums pulling back from the teeth, and take X-rays if we need to check the bone that supports them.
Explain the stage
You'll know whether it's gingivitis, which can usually be reversed, or periodontitis, which needs ongoing care.
Clean and coach
We remove plaque and tartar, with a deep clean below the gumline if needed, and show you how to use interdental brushes at home.
Keep it under control
Because periodontitis can come back, we suggest regular cleans and check-ups to keep it stable.
Gingivitis and periodontitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums only, and it can often be reversed with a professional clean and better brushing at home.
Periodontitis is the advanced form. It damages the ligaments and bone that support the teeth, and that damage can't be reversed, but treatment can keep it under control. It can come back, so it needs ongoing care. Untreated periodontitis has also been linked to heart disease, complications of diabetes and other health problems.
How gum disease is treated
- Advice on brushing and cleaning between your teeth, including interdental brushes
- A professional scale and polish
- Deep cleaning below the gumline (scaling and root planing) for periodontitis
- Antibiotics in some cases
- Help to stop smoking
Advanced cases may need gum surgery, and a tooth too loose to save may have to be taken out.
Preventing gum disease
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes
- Don't use mouthwash straight after brushing
- Don't smoke
- Have regular check-ups and professional cleans
What to expect from a deep clean
Scaling and root planing removes plaque and tartar from around the roots of the teeth, above and below the gumline, and smooths the root surfaces. The gums are numbed with local anaesthetic, and the clean takes one to two hours, in one visit or split over two. There are no cuts or stitches.
Afterwards the gums may be tender and bleed a little, and the teeth can feel sensitive for one to two months. Antibiotics are sometimes used alongside the clean. Read more about scaling and deep cleaning.
Who treats you
Gum Disease Treatment at Dental Plus
We check your gums at every check-up. That matters because periodontitis often causes no pain until it's advanced, and catching it early is far easier than treating it late.
Gum treatment at Dental Plus includes gum health checks, deep cleaning below the gumline and advice on looking after your gums at home.
I recently had my scaling done with Dr.Ahmad Abdullah Mahmood.The procedure was surprisingly pain-free.”Read more Dental Plus patient reviews
Common questions about gum disease treatment
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Bleeding gums are usually a sign of inflammation caused by plaque, the first stage of gum disease. It is worth having them checked.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis can often be reversed. Periodontitis can't be cured, but treatment and good home care can keep it under control.
Is gum disease linked to other health problems?
Untreated periodontitis has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, complications of diabetes and other conditions.
How long does a deep clean take?
One to two hours, in one appointment or split over two, with the gums numbed. Most people go back to their normal routine the same day.
Does smoking affect my gums?
Yes. Smoking and vaping raise the risk of gum disease, and stopping is part of treatment.
Can gum disease make teeth fall out?
Yes. Periodontitis damages the bone and ligaments that hold teeth in place, and it is the main cause of tooth loss in adults.
Guides on this topic
- Bleeding Gums: Causes, Treatment and PreventionWhy gums bleed when you brush, how early gum disease can be reversed, what a dentist does for advanced gum disease, and how to keep gums healthy.
Related treatments
- Scaling & PolishingA professional clean that removes tartar brushing cannot shift.
- Check-ups & General DentistryWhat happens at a check-up, how often to come and the everyday treatments behind it.
- Dental ImplantsA fixed replacement for a missing tooth, anchored in the jawbone.
- Tooth ExtractionWhen a tooth can't be saved: what happens, recovery and replacing it.
How this guide was made
Dental Plus, a family dental clinic in Bahria Town, Rawalpindi, publishes this guide. It was drafted with the help of AI writing tools. Every medical statement was then checked against the sources below, last on 6 October 2026. What we say about our own clinic, our dentists and how we treat patients comes from the clinic. Patient quotes are copied word for word from Google reviews.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. For advice about your own teeth, book an examination.