Treatment of gums

Generally, the dentist will decide if you need gum treatment on the basis of visually assessing:

• Is the gum swollen?
• Is the gum bleeding when touched?
• Is there tartar around the mouth?
• Are there gum pockets around the teeth?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, the initial time required with the hygienist will be decided. You will be offered a 20 minute or 30 minute appointment. At that visit the hygienist will carry out scaling and polishing and decide whether further appointments are required.

The cost of the initial sessions with the hygienist are:

1. 20 minutes costs £40.00
2. 30 minutes costs £60.00

Further sessions will be charged at the same rate, unless you have very severe gum disease, when more specialised treatment will be required.

Details of treatment are found under periodontal disease.

Smoking and gums

Smoking promotes gum disease, and increases the chance of developing serious health problems. Non-smokers can also get these diseases, but it is less likely and generally occurs later in life. Take a look at Smoking and gum disease.