Why You Might Need a Periodontist: The Key to Healthy Gums

Why You Might Need a Periodontist: The Key to Healthy Gums

Post by : Dr. James Connan BChD GDC No. 230670 | 5 March 2025

When people think about oral health, they often focus on teeth—but healthy gums are just as important. Your gums provide essential support for your teeth, and if they become inflamed or infected, it can lead to serious dental issues. That’s where a periodontist comes in.

A periodontist is a gum specialist trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat gum disease, as well as perform advanced procedures like gum grafting and dental implant placement. If you’re experiencing swollen gums, bleeding when brushing, or persistent bad breath, it may be time to see a periodontal expert (British Society of Periodontology, 2023).

What Is Periodontal Disease?

🔹Periodontal disease—commonly known as gum disease—is an infection that affects the tissues and bones supporting your teeth. It develops in stages:

🔹 Gingivitis Treatment – The earliest stage, caused by plaque build-up along the gumline. Symptoms include red, swollen gums and bleeding when brushing. If caught early, gingivitis can be reversed with professional dental cleanings and good oral hygiene.

🔹 Periodontitis Treatment – If left untreated, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis. At this stage, gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming deep pockets that trap bacteria. Over time, this can lead to bone loss and loose teeth.

🔹Advanced Periodontitis – Severe gum disease can result in tooth loss and may require surgical gum treatment to restore gum and bone health (NHS, 2024).

Signs You Should See a Periodontist

Many people don’t realise they have gum disease until it reaches an advanced stage. Here are some signs you should schedule a periodontal consultation:

✅ Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
✅ Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
✅ Receding gums (teeth appear longer than before)
✅ Loose or shifting teeth
✅ Pain or discomfort when chewing
✅ Pus between the teeth and gums

How a Periodontist Can Help

A periodontist provides specialised gum treatments to restore gum health and prevent further damage, including:

🦷 Scaling & Root Planing – A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar buildup from beneath the gums, helping to eliminate infection.

🦷 Gum Grafting Surgery – If your gums have receded, a gum graft procedure can restore lost tissue and protect tooth roots.

🦷 Laser Gum Therapy – A minimally invasive gum disease treatment that targets infected gum tissue and promotes healing.

🦷 Dental Implants for Missing Teeth – If gum disease has caused tooth loss, a periodontist can place dental implants to restore function and aesthetics.

Preventing Gum Disease

The best way to avoid periodontal disease is through good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Here’s what you can do:

🪥 Brush teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
🦷 Floss every day to remove plaque and tartar from between the teeth
🍏 Eat a balanced diet to support gum health
🚭 Avoid smoking – tobacco use increases gum disease risk
👩‍⚕️ Schedule regular dental visits for professional cleanings

Book a Periodontal Consultation Today

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of gum disease, don’t wait until it worsens. At Surbiton Dental, our expert periodontist provides advanced gum care to restore and maintain healthy gums.

📞 Contact us today to book your periodontal consultation!