The Stages of Gum Disease (and How to Stop It Before It Starts)

The Stages of Gum Disease (and How to Stop It Before It Starts)

Gum disease is one of the most common, and preventable, dental conditions in the UK. It often starts quietly, showing few symptoms at first, but if left untreated, it can lead to long-term damage. The good news? With the right daily care and professional help, gum disease can be stopped in its tracks.

At Battersea Smiles, Dr Marisa Monteiro and her experienced team help patients understand their gum health, offering expert preventive care and treatments designed to restore confidence in their smiles.

What Exactly Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (or periodontal disease) is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. If it isn’t removed through brushing, flossing, and regular hygiene visits, plaque hardens into tartar and irritates the gum tissue.

Over time, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that trap even more bacteria. This cycle can eventually affect the bone that supports your teeth, leading to looseness or even tooth loss.

The NHS estimates that nearly half of UK adults have some form of gum disease, often without realising it.

Stage 1: Gingivitis – The Early Warning Sign

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and the easiest to reverse. It’s caused by plaque build-up along the gumline and often appears as mild redness or bleeding when you brush.

You might notice:

• Slight swelling or tenderness.
• Gums that bleed easily.
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away.

At this stage, a visit to your hygienist can make all the difference. During a hygiene appointment, plaque and tartar are professionally removed, leaving gums clean and healthy again.

Stage 2: Early Periodontitis – When Damage Begins

If gingivitis isn’t treated, bacteria can spread below the gumline. The gums start to detach from the teeth, forming small pockets that collect food debris and more plaque.

You may notice bleeding that persists, receding gums, or a bad taste in your mouth. At this point, home care alone usually isn’t enough, professional cleaning is essential to stop the infection from progressing.

Our team at Battersea Smiles uses gentle scaling techniques to clear tartar beneath the gums and restore gum health before it becomes more serious.

The Oral Health Foundation notes that early treatment is key to preventing long-term damage to the bone and tissues that support your teeth.

Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis – The Silent Threat

In advanced stages, gum disease can affect the bone and ligaments holding your teeth in place. Gums may recede noticeably, teeth can feel loose, and eating may become uncomfortable.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent bad breath or taste.
• Gums pulling away from the teeth.
• Sensitivity or pain when chewing.

While the bone lost at this stage cannot be replaced, further damage can be stopped with deep cleaning (root planing), antibiotics, and careful maintenance. Early diagnosis gives you the best chance of protecting your teeth for life.

Why Early Prevention Matters

Gum disease develops gradually, and many people don’t realise anything is wrong until it’s advanced. Regular hygiene appointments and six-monthly check-ups allow your dentist to spot inflammation before it becomes painful or destructive.

Smoking, stress, diabetes, and certain medications can all increase your risk. Dr Monteiro’s team always takes these factors into account, tailoring every care plan to the individual.

According to the British Dental Association, people who smoke are up to six times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers.

How to Protect Your Gums at Home

Healthy gums start with consistent habits:

• Brush twice a day using small circular motions and fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss or use interdental brushes to remove plaque between teeth.
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, and water.
• Avoid sugary snacks and limit acidic drinks.
• Quit smoking if possible, it restricts blood flow to the gums.

Small daily choices really do make the biggest difference.

Professional Gum Treatments at Battersea Smiles

Our modern Battersea clinic offers a full range of hygiene and gum-care treatments to suit every patient:

• Scaling and polishing: Removes plaque and stains from above the gumline.
• Deep cleaning: Reaches bacteria hidden beneath the gums.
• Airflow polishing: Uses a fine jet of air and powder for gentle stain removal.
• Maintenance visits: Keeps gums stable after treatment.

Every appointment is designed to be calm, comfortable, and educational, helping you feel confident about maintaining results at home.

Led by Dr Marisa Monteiro, our hygienists and dental team provide expert preventive care rooted in years of experience and continuous professional training. Patients often tell us that after just one visit, their gums feel cleaner, firmer, and far healthier.

When to Book an Appointment

If your gums bleed regularly or your breath feels less fresh than usual, it’s time to book a hygiene visit. These early warning signs are your body’s way of asking for help, and the sooner you act, the easier it is to put things right.

At Battersea Smiles, we’re here to make gum care simple. Our team offers gentle, thorough cleaning, friendly guidance, and a focus on prevention that keeps your smile strong and your gums healthy for the future.

Call 020 7228 5478 or use our contact form to arrange your next hygiene appointment.

Healthy gums are the foundation of every great smile, and with the right care, they’ll last you a lifetime.