Periodontal disease can be controlled and with the right treatment stopped from progressing, but once periodontitis has caused permanent damage to the supporting bone and tissues, it cannot simply disappear on its own. The important distinction is between gingivitis, which can often be reversed, and periodontitis, where professional treatment and long term maintenance are usually needed. Around 45% of adults in the UK are estimated to have some form of gum disease, showing just how common the problem is.
Can Early Gum Disease Go Away?
Yes, early gum disease, known as gingivitis, can often be reversed. At this stage, the gums become inflamed because plaque and bacteria have accumulated around the teeth. You may notice bleeding when brushing, redness, swelling or bad breath, but the deeper structures supporting your teeth have not usually been damaged.
Improving your daily cleaning routine and having professional hygiene treatment can allow the inflammation to settle. Some mild cases begin showing improvement within 7 to 14 days when plaque control is improved and appropriate treatment is carried out.
This is why bleeding gums should not simply be accepted as something that happens to everyone. They are often an early warning that your gums need more attention.
Early gum disease, known as gingivitis, can often be reversed.
What Happens If Gingivitis Becomes Periodontitis?
The situation changes when gum inflammation progresses into periodontitis. Rather than affecting only the surface of the gums, the disease can begin damaging the tissues and bone that hold your teeth securely in place.
This damage does not grow back just because you start brushing more carefully. However, that does not mean treatment is pointless. Periodontal treatment can reduce inflammation, remove harmful deposits and create healthier conditions around the teeth, helping to bring the disease under control and prevent further deterioration.
The aim is to protect what remains and give your teeth the best possible chance of staying healthy for many years.
Can Periodontal Disease Be Treated Successfully?
In many cases, yes. Treatment depends on how advanced the disease is and what is happening around the individual teeth.
Professional periodontal treatment may involve removing plaque and hardened tartar from beneath the gum line. More advanced cases may require periodontal surgery or regenerative procedures designed to address damage to the supporting tissues and bone.
The Perio Centre also provides treatments including bone regeneration and gum grafting where clinically appropriate. Regenerative procedures can, in selected cases, encourage the formation of new supporting bone and tissue rather than simply managing the symptoms.
A detailed assessment is therefore important before deciding what treatment is necessary. Two people can have bleeding gums but require completely different approaches.
Can You Get Rid Of Periodontal Disease Permanently?
It is more accurate to think of periodontal disease as a condition that can be stabilised and managed rather than something that is permanently cured.
Once periodontitis has destroyed supporting bone or caused gum recession, that damage may be permanent. However, successful treatment can control the infection and prevent the condition from continuing to cause damage.
This is where ongoing maintenance becomes particularly important. Even after treatment has been successful, plaque bacteria can build up again. Regular professional appointments and careful cleaning at home help to keep the gums stable.
What Can You Do At Home?
Good home care is one of the simplest and most important parts of controlling periodontal disease. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning carefully between your teeth every day can help remove the plaque that contributes to gum inflammation.
Interdental brushes can be particularly useful because a conventional toothbrush cannot properly clean every surface between the teeth. Your dental professional can show you which size and technique are most appropriate.
Smoking can also affect gum health and healing, while certain medical conditions, medications and hormonal changes can influence the development or progression of periodontal problems.
When Should You See A Periodontist?
You should arrange an assessment if your gums regularly bleed, appear swollen or receding, your breath remains unpleasant despite brushing, or your teeth feel loose or have started moving position.
Periodontal disease can progress quietly, with surprisingly little pain. By the time a tooth feels loose, significant damage may already have occurred. Early assessment gives you a much better opportunity to understand what is happening and address it before the problem becomes more complicated.
Periodontal disease can progress quietly, with surprisingly little pain.
Can The Perio Centre Help With Periodontal Disease?
At The Perio Centre in Harley Street, London, Dr Simon Stern is a registered Specialist Periodontist with extensive specialist training and experience in diagnosing and treating gum disease. Our practice focuses specifically on periodontal and implant care, offering personalised treatment plans based on each patient’s condition and needs.
The most reassuring thing to remember is that having periodontal disease does not mean you are inevitably going to lose your teeth. With an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment and consistent maintenance, the condition can often be brought under control. The earlier you act, the more opportunity there is to protect the healthy tissue and bone you still have.
Dr Simon Stern is a registered Specialist Periodontist at The Perio Centre. His qualifications include BDS MJDF RCS (Eng) MClinDent MPerio RCS (Ed). He lectures at both national and international conferences, and has published papers in several well-respected journals.
