Gum Health Assessments

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Gum disease (periodontitis) is the single biggest cause of tooth loss in UK adults — but it’s also one of the most preventable conditions in dentistry. Our gum health assessments are designed to spot trouble early, when it’s easiest to reverse.

🧠 What Is a Gum Health Assessment?

A gum health assessment is a detailed examination of the tissues that support your teeth — gums, ligament and bone. It typically includes:

• A visual inspection for redness, swelling, recession and plaque build-up
• Periodontal probing — gently measuring the depth of the little space between tooth and gum (pocket depth) at several points around each tooth
• A check for bleeding on probing
• Where indicated, X-rays to check the level of bone around each tooth
• A record of any mobility or gum recession

The readings are scored against a standard system (we use the Basic Periodontal Examination / BPE) so we can track your gum health over time.

🔍 What We’re Looking For

• Gingivitis — early, reversible gum inflammation (red, swollen, bleeding gums)
• Periodontitis — more advanced disease where the bone supporting the tooth starts to break down
• Recession — gums pulling back from the tooth, exposing root surface
• Abscesses — localised infection in the gum

Catching any of these early dramatically improves what we can do to help.

💬 What Happens Next

If your gums are healthy, we’ll typically recommend a routine Scale and Polish and review again at your next check-up.

If gum disease is detected, we may recommend:

• A course of Deep Clean (periodontal therapy)
• More frequent hygienist visits to keep things under control
• Tailored oral health education — brushing technique, interdental cleaning, tools that will actually work for you

✅ Why It Matters

• Gum disease is usually painless until it’s advanced — by which point bone may already have been lost
• Research links periodontitis to heart disease, diabetes control, and pregnancy complications
• Early intervention can often reverse gingivitis completely and stabilise periodontitis

Book an assessment with our hygienist and get a clear, honest picture of where your gums stand.