Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the tissues that hold the teeth in place. It is one of the most searched dental topics in the United Kingdom, and it is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. This entry explains the warning signs, the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis, how the condition progresses, the main treatment options, and indicative 2026 fee ranges in three markets. It is reference material, not medical advice, and no clinic is promoted. Anyone with symptoms should see a dentist or hygienist.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease starts when bacterial plaque builds up along the gum line. The body responds with inflammation. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which a toothbrush cannot remove.
Dentists describe two main forms. Gingivitis affects only the gums. Periodontitis affects the gums, the ligament and the bone that support the teeth.
What does gum disease look like? Common symptoms
Early gum disease is often painless, which is why many people do not notice it. The signs below are the ones most often reported.
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gums pulling back from the teeth, making teeth look longer
- Loose teeth or a change in how the teeth meet when biting
- Pus between the teeth and gums, or gum abscesses
Gingivitis vs periodontitis: what is the difference?
The key difference is whether the supporting bone has been affected. Gingivitis is generally reversible with professional cleaning and better daily hygiene. Periodontitis causes bone loss that cannot normally be regrown without surgery, but it can usually be stabilised.
| Feature | Gingivitis | Periodontitis |
|---|---|---|
| Tissues affected | Gums only | Gums, ligament and bone |
| Typical signs | Bleeding, redness, swelling | Pockets, receding gums, loose teeth |
| Bone loss | No | Yes |
| Reversible? | Usually, with treatment | Can be controlled, lost bone rarely returns |
| Usual treatment | Scale and polish, home care | Deep cleaning, sometimes surgery |
What are the stages of periodontitis?
Since 2017, dentists in the UK, Europe and the US have used a classification from the European Federation of Periodontology and the American Academy of Periodontology. It describes four stages, from I (initial) to IV (advanced), based on how much bone and attachment has been lost and how complex treatment is likely to be.
A separate grade (A, B or C) estimates how quickly the disease is progressing. Smoking and poorly controlled diabetes are two factors that raise the grade.
What causes gum disease, and who is most at risk?
Plaque bacteria are the direct cause, but several factors make the condition more likely or more severe.
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Diabetes, particularly when poorly controlled
- Irregular brushing and no cleaning between the teeth
- Hormonal changes, including pregnancy
- Some medicines that cause dry mouth or gum overgrowth
- Family history of periodontitis
How is gum disease treated?
Treatment depends on the stage. It almost always starts with removing plaque and tartar and improving daily cleaning, because no treatment works for long without that.
- Scale and polish: professional removal of tartar above the gum line, the usual treatment for gingivitis
- Root surface debridement (deep cleaning): cleaning below the gum line, often under local anaesthetic
- Supportive maintenance: hygienist visits every 3 to 6 months to keep the disease stable
- Periodontal surgery: flap surgery, bone or tissue grafts for deep pockets that do not respond
- Replacing lost teeth: implants, bridges or dentures once the gums are stable
Can gum disease be cured without a dentist?
Better brushing, interdental cleaning and stopping smoking can improve mild gingivitis. However, tartar can only be removed professionally, and periodontitis cannot be resolved with home care alone. Mouthwashes and home remedies may reduce symptoms without treating the cause.
How much does gum disease treatment cost in 2026?
Fees vary widely by clinic, city and the number of teeth involved. The ranges below are indicative private prices, not quotes. NHS patients in England pay a set band charge for most periodontal treatment.
| Treatment | UK (private) | US | Turkey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scale and polish / hygiene visit | £60–120 | $100–250 | €30–70 |
| Deep cleaning, per quadrant | £150–350 | $200–450 | €50–120 |
| Full-mouth deep cleaning | £500–1,200 | $800–1,800 | €200–450 |
| Periodontal surgery, per area | £500–1,500 | $1,000–3,000 | €200–600 |
Is it sensible to treat gum disease abroad?
Periodontitis needs long-term maintenance, not a single appointment. Patients who have deep cleaning abroad still need regular hygienist care at home. Gum health should normally be stable before crowns, veneers or implants are placed, because untreated periodontitis raises the risk of implant failure.
- Ask for a written periodontal chart showing pocket depths before and after treatment
- Confirm who will provide maintenance after you return home
- Check that the treating dentist's qualifications are published and verifiable