Gum diseases are inflammatory diseases of the tissues that surround and support the teeth, caused by the build-up of plaque. In the early stage they affect only the gums; as they progress, they also affect the bone that holds the teeth.
This page explains the stages of the disease, how treatment is carried out and what to pay attention to afterwards, for information purposes. The stage of your condition can only be determined through an examination and radiographic assessment.
How does the disease progress?
| Stage | What happens | Reversible? |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy gums | Pink, firm, no bleeding when brushing | — |
| Gingivitis | Gums become red, swollen and bleed | Largely reversible |
| Early periodontitis | Pockets deepen, bone loss begins | Bone loss is not reversible |
| Advanced periodontitis | Gums recede, teeth become loose | The loss is permanent |
The early stages usually cause no pain. This is why the disease is often only noticed during an examination.
What are the symptoms?
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen and tender gums
- Persistent bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth
- Receding gums, teeth that look longer
- New gaps appearing between the teeth
- A feeling of movement in the teeth when chewing
- Pus coming from the gums
How is it treated?
1. Assessment
The depth of the gum pockets is measured, bleeding sites are recorded and X-rays are taken to see the bone level. Risk factors such as smoking and diabetes are discussed.
2. Non-surgical stage
- Plaque and tartar are removed from the tooth surfaces
- Deposits inside the gum pockets are removed
- The root surfaces are smoothed (root planing)
- Oral hygiene techniques are explained individually
- Support for quitting smoking is recommended where relevant
3. Re-evaluation
About six to eight weeks later, pocket depths and bleeding are measured again. In most cases this stage is sufficient.
4. Surgical stage
If deep pockets have not closed, surgical methods are considered to make the pocket cleanable or to correct a bone defect.
5. Maintenance
Check-ups and professional cleaning continue at intervals set for each person (usually every three to six months). This stage has no end date.
Gum disease and general health
A two-way relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes is known: uncontrolled diabetes can make gum disease worse, and gum inflammation can make blood sugar harder to control. For this reason, gum monitoring is particularly important for people with diabetes.
Risk factors
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Inadequate oral hygiene | Directly increases plaque build-up |
| Smoking | Speeds up progression, reduces response to treatment |
| Diabetes | Makes the disease worse if uncontrolled |
| Genetic predisposition | The disease progresses faster in some people |
| Certain medicines | Can cause gum overgrowth |
| Hormonal changes | Tendency to inflammation may increase in pregnancy and puberty |
| Teeth clenching | Increases the load on the supporting tissues |
Daily care
- Brushing twice a day for two minutes with a soft brush
- Placing the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line
- Cleaning between the teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes
- Professional cleaning at the intervals your dentist recommends
- Quitting smoking
- Keeping blood sugar under control if you have diabetes
Risks and possible problems
- Temporary gum tenderness and bleeding after treatment
- Gums appearing receded as pocket depth decreases
- Sensitivity to hot and cold due to exposed root surfaces
- Gaps between the teeth becoming more visible
- Tooth loss despite treatment in advanced cases
- Recurrence of the disease if maintenance is not continued
This list is not exhaustive. Risks specific to you are discussed during the examination and the informed consent process.
What should patients travelling from abroad consider?
Gum treatment takes place in stages, and the result of the first stage is only assessed about six to eight weeks later. The stage of the disease, and which steps are needed, can only be determined after an examination, pocket measurements and X-rays.
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| First stage | Usually 1–4 visits, depending on how widespread the disease is |
| Waiting period | Re-evaluation about 6–8 weeks after the first stage |
| Surgical stage | Only considered if deep pockets have not closed |
| Records in advance | Recent X-rays and any previous periodontal charts can be shared before your visit |
| Back home | Maintenance (usually every 3–6 months) can continue with a local dentist |
About treatment fees
No fee information is given on this page. The scope of treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the number of areas affected; fees can only be discussed after an examination and radiographic assessment.
