Gum disease

Find out more about gum disease, including what the symptoms are, how it's treated and how to prevent it.

Gum disease is where your gums become red, swollen and sore, and bleed. It's very common, but it's important to get it checked by a dentist.

Symptoms of gum disease include:

  • your gums bleeding when you brush your teeth, floss or eat hard foods, such as apples
  • your gums becoming swollen, red and sore

Gum disease can lead to:

See a dentist if:

  • your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or eat hard foods
  • your gums are painful and swollen
  • you have bad breath
  • your child has sore, bleeding gums

Ask for an urgent dentist appointment if:

You or your child has gum disease and other symptoms such as:

  • very sore and swollen gums
  • teeth becoming loose or falling out
  • ulcers or red patches in your mouth
  • a lump in your mouth or on your lip

To see a dentist in an emergency or out of hours:

  • call your dentist – if they're closed, their answerphone may tell you what to do

If you do not have a dentist or cannot get an emergency appointment:

  • call 111 – they can advise you what to do
  • find a dentist near you – ask if you can have an emergency appointment

You may have to pay for your appointment.

Read more about NHS dental charges.

Check-ups and treatment from a dentist are free when you’re pregnant and for 1 year after you give birth.

Ask your midwife or GP about the maternity exemption (MATEX) certificate – this gives you free NHS prescriptions and free dental care.

Get regular dental check-ups

You should have regular dental check-ups even if you do not have any problems. See a dentist if you have not had a check-up for 2 years (or 1 year if you're under 18).

Your dentist will check your teeth and gums.

They may also refer you to a specialist for further tests and treatment.

How gum disease is treated depends on how severe it is.

In the early stages, your dentist will:

  • give you advice about keeping your teeth clean, such as using interdental brushes
  • advise you to stop smoking, if you smoke
  • advise you to get your teeth cleaned by a hygienist

If your gum disease is serious, you may need:

  • to have deep cleaning under your gums
  • antibiotics
  • to have some teeth removed
  • gum surgery

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on your teeth.

If you do not remove plaque from your teeth by brushing and cleaning in between them regularly, it builds up and irritates your gums.

There are things you can do yourself to prevent gum disease.

Do

  • brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day – spit after brushing, do not rinse

  • clean in between your teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes

  • see a dentist and dental hygienist for regular check-ups, especially if you're pregnant or have type 2 diabetes

Don't

  • do not use mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth

  • do not smoke

Find out more