Gingivitis
The earliest stage. Gums become red, puffy and bleed a little when you brush. There is no damage to the bone yet, so at this point it is completely reversible with a clean and good habits.

Gum disease is common, easy to miss, and very treatable when caught early. We will check, explain plainly what is going on, and treat it gently, no lectures, no judgement.
Gum disease is inflammation of the gums caused by a build-up of plaque. In its early form, gingivitis, the gums get red, puffy and bleed a little when you brush. It is extremely common, and at this stage it is easily reversed.
Left to carry on, it can move deeper and affect the bone holding your teeth. The good news is that caught early, it is very treatable, and we see it every day.
It starts with plaque, the soft film that forms on teeth through the day. If it is not brushed away, it hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and cannot be removed by brushing alone.
Smoking, certain medical conditions and genetics can all make it more likely. None of it is about blame, it happens to plenty of people who brush regularly, which is exactly why check-ups matter.
For most people, treatment means a thorough clean to remove the plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, along with simple advice to keep things healthy at home.
For more advanced cases we may do a deeper clean of the roots, sometimes over a couple of visits. It is comfortable, and we go at a pace that suits you.
Healthy gums are the foundation your teeth sit in. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, so looking after them is one of the most worthwhile things you can do.
There is a wider benefit too: healthy gums are linked to better general health. Treating it early protects your smile and saves more involved work later on.
Noticed bleeding or sore gums? Book in and we will take a proper look, gently and with no judgement either way.
Calm, careful care
01A little pink in the sink is the most common early sign. Healthy gums do not bleed, so if yours do when brushing or flossing, it is worth getting checked.
02Healthy gums are firm and pale pink. If yours look red, puffy or feel tender, that inflammation is a sign plaque has started to irritate them.
03Breath that stays bad despite brushing, or a lingering odd taste, can be caused by the bacteria behind gum disease sitting below the gum line.
04If your teeth look longer than they used to, or feel more sensitive near the gum, the gums may be receding, a sign the disease has progressed a little.
05When gum disease reaches the bone, teeth can start to feel slightly loose or shift. This is more advanced, and the sooner we see it, the more we can do.
06Gums that feel sore, sensitive or uncomfortable when eating are worth mentioning. It is your mouth letting you know something needs a little attention.
Spotted any of these? Best to get them checked.
Book a check-up
Caught early, easily treatedThe earliest stage. Gums become red, puffy and bleed a little when you brush. There is no damage to the bone yet, so at this point it is completely reversible with a clean and good habits.
If gingivitis is left, it tips into early periodontitis. Small pockets form between gum and tooth where bacteria gather, and the gum starts to pull away. Still very manageable when treated now.
The pockets deepen and some of the bone supporting the teeth begins to be affected. You might notice receding gums or sensitivity. A deeper clean of the roots usually settles things.
More bone is lost and teeth can feel loose or shift. Even here we can do a great deal to stabilise things and save teeth, which is why it is never too late to come in.
Wherever you are on this scale, it is treatable. The earlier we catch it the simpler it is, but it is never too late to do something about it.
We numb the tooth fully and move at a pace that suits you.
However long it has been, you get honesty and care, nothing else.
We explain each step and stop the moment you need a breather.


















Treatment gets your gums back to health, but keeping them that way happens at home. A few simple habits make all the difference, and none of them are hard.
Your gums may feel slightly tender for a day or two after a deep clean, and might bleed a touch when you brush. This settles quickly, keep brushing gently and it eases on its own.
Two minutes, morning and night, with a soft brush angled towards the gum line. It is not about scrubbing hard, gentle and thorough beats quick and rough every time.
Brushing only reaches part of each tooth. Floss or interdental brushes clear the gaps where gum disease takes hold. Once it is a habit, it takes less than a minute.
Seeing us regularly lets us remove the hardened tartar you cannot shift at home, and catch anything before it builds up again. For most people a hygiene visit every few months keeps things in check.
If your gums stay sore, keep bleeding, or you are just not sure things are improving, give us a ring. A quick check now saves trouble later, and we are always happy to help.
Call 0151 228 2226

Noticed bleeding, soreness, or just due a check-up? Book in and we will take a proper look at your gums, gently and with no judgement, and sort a simple plan to keep them healthy.