How to Get Rid of Gum Disease: A Dentist’s Complete Guide
Knowing how to get rid of gum disease is essential to keeping your smile healthy for life. Gum disease is one of the most common dental conditions — yet it often goes unnoticed until it becomes serious. The good news is that, with early detection and proper care, it can be treated and controlled effectively.
At Horley & Gatwick Dental Centre, our dentists help patients in Horley and Crawley prevent and reverse gum problems using advanced techniques and a personalised, gentle approach. In this article, we’ll explain:
- What gum disease is and how it starts.
- The warning signs to look out for.
- Professional treatments that can restore gum health.
- Everyday habits to prevent it from returning.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It begins as gingivitis — mild gum inflammation — and can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced stage that affects the bone around the teeth.
Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, is the main cause. When it’s not removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar and triggers inflammation. Over time, gums may pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that trap bacteria and worsen the infection.
At Horley & Gatwick Dental Centre, we specialise in diagnosing and treating gum disease in Horley and Crawley before it leads to tooth or bone loss.
What causes gum disease?
The primary cause of gum disease is the accumulation of plaque along and below the gum line. However, several factors can increase your risk:
- Poor oral hygiene – infrequent brushing and flossing.
- Smoking – reduces blood flow and healing ability.
- Hormonal changes – during pregnancy or menopause.
- Diabetes – makes gums more prone to infection.
- Stress and poor diet – weaken your immune system.
- Genetic predisposition – some people are more susceptible.
Our dentists in Horley and Crawley perform detailed assessments to identify your personal risk factors and create a prevention plan tailored to your needs.
→ Learn more about gum disease diagnosis and prevention.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Recognising the early signs of gum disease is key to successful treatment. Symptoms often start subtly but can progress quickly if ignored. Common warning signs include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums.
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing.
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste.
- Gum recession or “longer-looking” teeth.
- Loose teeth or discomfort when biting.
At Horley & Gatwick Dental Centre, we use digital imaging and periodontal probing to detect gum inflammation even before visible symptoms appear, allowing for early and effective intervention.
→ Schedule your gum health check-up today.
How to get rid of gum disease at home
If your gum disease is still in its early stage (gingivitis), you can often reverse it at home with better oral hygiene. Here’s what you should do:
- Brush twice a day using a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.
- Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria.
- Stay hydrated to keep your mouth clean.
- Eat a balanced diet, rich in vitamin C and calcium.
These steps can help control inflammation, but professional cleaning is still essential to remove tartar and bacteria beneath the gum line. That’s why we always combine home care with in-office treatment for the best results.
→ Book a hygiene visit to support your home care routine.
Professional treatments for gum disease
At Horley & Gatwick Dental Centre, we offer a range of evidence-based treatments to eliminate infection and promote gum healing:
1. Professional dental cleaning (scaling and polishing):
Removes plaque and tartar above and below the gum line using ultrasonic technology.
2. Deep cleaning (root planing):
Smooths tooth roots to prevent bacteria from reattaching, reducing inflammation.
3. Laser-assisted therapy:
Minimises bleeding and speeds up healing by targeting bacteria precisely.
4. Periodontal maintenance:
Ongoing monitoring and cleanings to maintain results.
5. Advanced gum surgery (in severe cases):
Performed by our periodontist, Dr Michail Vavalekas, to restore bone and tissue support.
Our personalised, gentle approach ensures long-lasting results for patients in Horley and Crawley.
→ Learn more about our periodontal treatments and technology.
Can gum disease be cured completely?
The answer depends on how early the condition is detected. Gingivitis, the initial stage, can usually be reversed with improved hygiene and professional cleaning. However, once gum disease advances to periodontitis, it becomes a manageable condition rather than one that can be fully cured.
With regular care, maintenance, and check-ups, the disease can be stabilised — meaning you can stop its progression and protect your teeth for life.
At Horley & Gatwick Dental Centre, we focus on long-term control and education, empowering every patient to maintain healthy gums at home.
→ Find out how our maintenance plans can keep your gums healthy.
How long does it take to get rid of gum disease?
The time it takes to treat gum disease varies depending on its severity and your overall oral hygiene. Mild gingivitis can often be reversed within two to three weeks with professional cleaning and good daily habits.
For more advanced periodontitis, treatment may require several sessions over a few months to achieve stability. Our team in Horley and Crawley monitors your progress at every step, adjusting treatment and providing detailed home care advice to ensure your gums heal as efficiently as possible.
Patience and consistency are key — gum health improves steadily with proper care.
→ Start your gum treatment journey today.
How to get rid of gum disease without surgery
Many cases of gum disease can be treated effectively without surgery. Non-invasive therapies like scaling and root planing remove bacteria from deep pockets and smooth root surfaces, promoting natural healing.
We also use laser-assisted periodontal therapy, which disinfects tissues and stimulates regeneration with minimal discomfort. Combined with improved oral hygiene and regular follow-ups, these treatments can stabilise most cases.
Our dentists in Horley and Crawley always prioritise conservative, gentle methods before considering surgical options — ensuring a comfortable, effective experience for every patient.
→ Discover non-surgical gum treatments at our clinic.
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes, if left untreated, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. When infection damages the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place, they can loosen and eventually fall out.
At Horley & Gatwick Dental Centre, we see many patients from Horley and Crawley who are able to save their natural teeth through timely intervention. Our early detection and personalised care prevent bone loss and preserve healthy structure.
Even if teeth are already affected, modern treatments — including bone regeneration and dental implants — can restore both function and aesthetics.
→ Learn more about gum disease prevention and restoration.
How to prevent gum disease from coming back
After successfully treating gum disease, maintenance is essential to keep it from returning. Follow these preventive steps:
- Brush and floss thoroughly every day.
- Schedule hygiene appointments every 3–6 months.
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake.
- Maintain a balanced diet to strengthen your immune system.
- Manage stress, which can lower your body’s ability to fight infection.
At Horley & Gatwick Dental Centre, we provide long-term support and education to ensure our patients in Horley and Crawley enjoy lasting gum health and confident smiles.
→ Enrol in our periodontal maintenance program.
What happens if gum disease is left untreated?
Untreated gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth — it can impact your overall health. Over time, chronic inflammation and bacteria can:
- Destroy bone and connective tissue.
- Cause tooth mobility and loss.
- Increase risk of systemic conditions like heart disease or diabetes.
- Lead to chronic halitosis (bad breath).
This is why knowing how to get rid of gum disease — and acting promptly — is so important. Early professional intervention at our Horley and Crawley clinic can prevent these complications and preserve your smile for life.
→ Book your periodontal assessment before symptoms worsen.
Conclusion on how to get rid of gum disease
Now that you understand how to get rid of gum disease, the key takeaway is that prevention and early treatment make all the difference. With the right dental care and daily habits, gum health can be restored and maintained for years to come.
At Horley & Gatwick Dental Centre, our team in Horley and Crawley offers expert periodontal care using advanced, minimally invasive techniques. We take time to educate, treat, and support our patients through every stage of gum recovery.
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen — act now to protect your smile.
📍 Horley & Gatwick Dental Centre
33 Massetts Road, Horley RH6 7DQ, UK
📞 (+44 1293 781 200) | ✉️ reception@horleyandgatwickdental.com
💻 horleyandgatwickdental.com
