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Gums · Perivale, Ealing

Early Gum Disease. Picked up early, before it does damage.

Early gum disease rarely hurts, so it’s easy to miss. The earlier it’s found, the simpler it is to treat. This page explains the signs, who is more likely to get it, and how a gum check picks it up.

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Written and clinically reviewed by Marisa Lennie, GDC 252605 · Last reviewed

What’s going on

What early gum disease is.

Gum disease begins when plaque builds up along the gumline and the gums become inflamed. At this early stage, called gingivitis, no lasting damage has been done.

If the inflammation continues, it can spread below the gumline. Pockets form between the gum and the tooth, and the bone that supports the teeth can start to be lost. That later stage is periodontitis. Regular check-ups matter even with no symptoms, because the early signs are easy to overlook.

Source: NHS: Gum disease (opens in a new tab).

Who is more likely to get it

  • You smokeSmoking is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease.
  • You have type 2 diabetesThe NHS advises extra dental check-ups if you have type 2 diabetes.
  • You’re pregnantGum problems are more likely during pregnancy, so extra check-ups are advised.
  • Plaque is hard to reachCrowded teeth, braces, bridges and implants all make plaque harder to clean away.

At home

What helps, and what to avoid.

Do

  • Brush twice a day, angling the bristles towards the gumline
  • Clean between your teeth once a day: this is where gum disease often starts
  • Keep up regular check-ups, even when nothing hurts
  • If you smoke, stopping is one of the most effective things you can do for your gums

Avoid

  • Don’t wait for pain: early gum disease usually doesn’t hurt
  • Don’t ignore gums that bleed when you clean

Based on NHS: Gum disease (opens in a new tab).

At your appointment

How I pick it up early.

  1. A gum health score

    Every new patient has a Basic Periodontal Examination: a quick, gentle check of every section of the mouth that shows whether a closer look is needed.

  2. Bleeding points

    I note where the gums bleed when gently measured. Bleeding is often the first sign, long before anything hurts.

  3. A record to compare

    Your readings are written down, so at your next visit we can see whether the gums have improved or slipped.

  4. Your risk factors

    Smoking, diabetes, pregnancy and medicines all change how often your gums should be checked.

How I can help

Treatments for early gum disease.

Early Gum Disease FAQs

Questions about early gum disease.

Something else on your mind? Email me or call 020 8997 0933.

Can early gum disease be reversed?

Gingivitis, the earliest stage, usually settles with better daily cleaning and a professional clean. Once periodontitis has caused bone loss, that loss can’t be reversed, but treatment can stop it getting worse.

Does early gum disease hurt?

Usually not. The most common early sign is gums that bleed when you brush or clean between your teeth. That’s why regular check-ups matter even when nothing hurts.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Signs include gums that bleed, look red or swollen, or feel sore, and bad breath. A gum check measures the gaps between gums and teeth to confirm what’s going on.

How often should my gums be checked?

It depends on your risk. National guidance (NICE) recommends intervals between 3 months and 2 years for adults, set by your clinician. Smokers and people with diabetes are usually seen more often.

Do I need a dentist’s referral for a gum check?

No. You can book a gum check with me directly under GDC direct access.

Marisa Lennie, Dental Hygienist & Therapist

Written & clinically reviewed by

Marisa Lennie

Dental Hygienist & Therapist · Dip DHDT (RCS England) · GDC 252605

Last reviewed

Marisa qualified through the Royal College of Surgeons of England, training clinically at King’s College Hospital, London, and is an Approved Education Supervisor for trainee hygienists & therapists. She assesses and treats early gum disease at Bilton Road Dental Practice in Perivale.

About Marisa Verify on the GDC register (opens in a new tab)

Sources & guidance

  1. NHS: Gum disease Page reviewed April 2026
  2. British Society of Periodontology: BPE guidelines 2019
  3. NICE CG19: Dental checks, intervals between oral health reviews 2004
  4. General Dental Council: Direct access

This page is general information about early gum disease. Only an examination can tell what stage your gums are at.

Have your gums checked before they hurt.

Call the practice or send an email to book your appointment. No referral needed.

Book An Appointment 020 8997 0933

Bilton Road Dental Practice · 56 Bilton Rd, Perivale, Greenford, London, UB6 7DH

Gum assessments in Perivale, Ealing (UB6), close to Greenford, Alperton, Sudbury, Hanwell and Northolt.

Please note

Before you continue

This website is currently under construction. While we try to keep everything accurate and up to date, some content, treatment details or information may be incomplete or out of date. Please contact the practice directly to confirm anything important before making decisions about your care.

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