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Preventive

Gum disease treatment

Available on the NHS

Treating gingivitis and periodontitis with better home cleaning, professional cleaning above and below the gums and, occasionally, surgery.

Also called: periodontal treatment, periodontal therapy, deep cleaning, root surface debridement

The curved tip of a dental scaler, the hand instrument used to remove tartar
A scaler for removing tartar Photo: RosarioVanTulpe, CC BY-SA 3.0

About gum disease treatment

Gum disease treatment aims to reduce the inflammation that damages the gums and the bone supporting your teeth. The most important part is getting plaque levels low through good daily cleaning at home - Bristol Dental School says patients with good oral hygiene have better treatment success.

In the early stage (gingivitis), your dentist or hygienist will usually give cleaning advice, recommend tools such as interdental brushes, advise you to stop smoking and clean your teeth professionally. For periodontitis, you may need deeper cleaning below the gums, several appointments, antibiotics in some cases, or referral to a specialist.

Periodontitis cannot be reversed, but it can be controlled. Most people need more than one course of treatment, and without good home care and regular visits the disease is likely to come back.

How it works

  1. Assessment: gum pockets are measured with a probe, X-rays may be taken and plaque levels checked
  2. Tailored advice on brushing and cleaning between your teeth, and on stopping smoking
  3. Professional cleaning of plaque and tartar above the gums
  4. Deeper cleaning below the gums where pockets have formed, often over several appointments
  5. Review of how the gums have responded, with further treatment or specialist referral if needed
  6. Occasionally, gum surgery or removal of teeth that cannot be saved

Time, lifespan and cost

Time needed
Varies with severity - from one or two visits for gingivitis to several appointments for periodontitis, followed by regular maintenance.
How long it lasts
Ongoing: gum disease has a high risk of returning without good daily cleaning and regular professional care.
On the NHS?
Available on the NHS. Gum treatment is available on the NHS when clinically needed. Simple management of gum disease, including scaling, is usually Band 1 (£27.90 from 1 April 2026) and extensive management is Band 2 (£76.60), unless you are exempt. Your dentist may refer you to a specialist. NHS charges

Private cost

Private fees vary widely between practices and depend on the complexity of your case and the materials used, so we do not quote a typical price. Always ask for a written treatment plan with costs before you agree to treatment. (Source: NHS: How much NHS dental treatment costs)

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Reduces inflammation and the risk of further bone and tooth loss
  • Improves bleeding gums and often bad breath
  • Most cases are treated successfully without surgery
  • Available on the NHS

Cons

  • Needs ongoing effort at home to work
  • Several appointments may be needed
  • Gums can shrink back as they heal, making teeth look longer and leaving small gaps ('black triangles')
  • High chance of relapse if care lapses

Aftercare

  • Brush twice a day, including last thing at night, with fluoride toothpaste
  • Clean between your teeth once a day with interdental brushes or floss
  • Expect some soreness for a few days after deep cleaning, and follow your clinician's advice
  • Stop smoking
  • Keep all review and maintenance appointments

Risks and side effects

  • Temporary soreness and sensitivity
  • Gum recession and 'black triangles' as the gums heal
  • Long-term sensitivity in some people
  • Relapse if plaque control is not maintained

Your dentist should explain the risks that apply to you before you agree to treatment.

Problems it can help with

Bad breath (halitosis) is very common and usually fixable at home. The main causes, what actually helps, and when to see a dentist or GP.

RoutineOptions

A build-up of pus from an infection in a tooth or gum. It will not go away on its own and needs urgent dental treatment.

UrgentOptions

Gaps between teeth can be harmless, a sign of missing teeth, or occasionally a sign of gum disease. How to tell and what can close them.

RoutineOptions

Bleeding, swollen gums are the classic early sign. Gum disease is common and preventable - here is how it progresses and how it is treated.

RoutineOptions

Gums shrinking back to expose the roots can cause sensitivity and 'long' looking teeth. The causes and how to stop it getting worse.

RoutineOptions

Sharp twinges with cold, hot, sweet or acidic food are common. Why teeth become sensitive, what helps at home and when to see a dentist.

RoutineOptions

Toothache has many causes, from decay to a cracked tooth. How to ease the pain now, when to see a dentist and when it's an emergency.

See a dentist soonOptions

Common questions

Can periodontitis be cured?

It cannot be reversed, but it can be controlled and stopped with treatment and good daily cleaning.

Why do my teeth look longer after treatment?

As swollen gums heal they shrink back to the level of the bone. This is a sign of healthier gums but can expose more of the tooth.

Does smoking affect gum disease?

Yes. Smoking is a risk factor, and dentists advise stopping as part of treatment.

Useful at home

Products that can help with day-to-day care alongside this treatment. Ask your dental team what suits you. Some links may be affiliate links.

Sources we used

Checked September 2026. Guidance changes, so always follow the advice of your own dental team. About our sources.