Gum Disease (Periodontitis) — Symptoms, Stages & When to Treat
Bleeding gums, bad breath that won’t go away, gum recession, loose teeth, anxiety about “needing implants”…
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Periodontitis is common — more than 50% of UK Adults - and many teeth that are often marked for extraction can be stabilised and saved with the right approach.
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Quick symptom check (30 seconds)
Gums bleed when brushing or flossing
Persistent bad breath / bad taste
Gums pulling back (recession); teeth look longer
Teeth feel slightly loose or drifting apart
Sensitivity to cold or touch
Puffy, red, or tender gums
A history of gum problems in the family or previous “deep cleaning”
What periodontitis is (plain English)
Periodontitis is a chronic infection and inflammation affecting the supporting structures of teeth (gum, ligament and bone). It usually starts from plaque and tartar (biofilm that hardens), which the body reacts to. Over time, this can cause pockets, bone loss, gum recession and, if untreated, tooth loss.
Gingivitis
= inflamed gums without bone loss (reversible with care).
Periodontitis
= inflamed gums with attachment/bone loss (requires professional treatment + long-term maintenance).
Stages & typical symptoms
Early disease
(gingivitis / early Stage I–II)
- Bleeding when brushing/flossing
- Bad breath, occasional tenderness
- Mild swelling/redness
Good news: early disease is often reversible or stabilisable with professional care and correct home hygiene!
Moderate disease
(Stage II–III)
- Pockets 4–6 mm, calculus above/below the gumline
- Gum recession; sensitivity to cold
- Black triangles between teeth; drifting or spacing
- Occasional abscesses or bad taste
Action: structured periodontal therapy is needed to stabilise the situation and protect remaining bone.
Advanced disease
(Stage III–IV)
- Pockets >6 mm; significant bone loss
- Loose teeth (mobility); difficulty chewing
- Recurrent abscesses; pus discharge
- Teeth shifting significantly
Urgent: immediate specialist intervention is required to save remaining teeth.
It's Not Just About Your Teeth
Scientific research increasingly links periodontal health to overall systemic well-being. Treating your gums is an investment in your general health.
Cardiovascular Health
Periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream and may contribute to the development of heart disease and stroke risk.
Diabetes Control
Severe gum disease can increase blood sugar, and diabetes makes gum disease worse. Treating one often helps manage the other.
Cognitive Health
Emerging studies suggest a potential association between chronic periodontal inflammation and cognitive decline in older adults.
How PerioFAST™ helps
Our protocol is designed to stop the progression of disease, reduce pocket depths, and create a stable environment where you can keep your teeth.
See what others miss
Microscope magnification allows us to remove the calculus that causes inflammation.
Decontaminate
Nd:YAG laser energy targets bacteria within the tissues.
Oxygenate
Ozone therapy helps neutralise pathogens and support healing.
Common Questions
Is bleeding normal?
No. Healthy gums don’t bleed. Persistent bleeding usually means inflammation (gingivitis or periodontitis) that needs professional care.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis (early stage) can be reversed. Periodontitis (bone loss) cannot be fully "reversed" (bone doesn't grow back easily), but it can be stabilised to prevent further loss.
Will I end up needing implants anyway?
Not necessarily. Many “at-risk” teeth can be stabilised and kept for years or decades. We fight to save teeth whenever possible; we recommend extraction only for hopeless teeth.