Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis), is a common condition caused by a build-up of plaque and bacteria on your teeth. It can be difficult to treat, so the best thing to do is to get an early diagnosis and take steps to prevent the condition from getting worse.

However, you need to understand what the early signs of gum disease are to do this, which is why we’ve created this blog. We aim to highlight some of the earliest symptoms of gum disease, so that treatment can be sought before the condition progresses into a more severe form.

If your dentist failed to notice the early signs of gum disease and it led to the condition worsening, you could be eligible for a dental negligence claim. Please contact our team here or complete our online claim form to get the process started.

Gum Disease: A Definition

Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth – it’s the sixth most prevalent disease in the world. There are several stages of gum disease, which typically start as gingivitis (a mild form of gum disease), before progressing to periodontitis if not treated properly. Understanding the early signs of gum disease is key to identifying and preventing the ailment from getting worse, enabling you to seek out timely intervention.

Gum disease is caused by plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that can cause tooth decay. If it isn’t removed by regular teeth cleaning, this plaque can build up into tartar and irritate the gums. Gum disease in the later stages can be difficult to treat, so the best thing to do is prevent it from getting worse at an early stage.

If it is successfully treated in the gingivitis phase, the condition may not have a lasting impact on your oral health, and can even be reversed in the early stages. However, if it is not diagnosed in time or is not treated effectively enough, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. This form of gum disease is not reversible and can result in receding gums, tooth loss and even damage to your jawbone.

Gingivitis: Spotting the Early Signs of Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It’s typically caused by a buildup of plaque on your teeth. If this plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning service.

The symptoms of gingivitis are the early signs of gum disease, as it’s the first stage of the illness. The main symptoms of gingivitis are:

Sore or tender gums

Swollen or red gums

Bleeding gums (often after brushing or flossing your teeth)

A build-up of dental plaque and tartar on your teeth

What Are the Symptoms of Periodontitis?

When left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health complications.

The symptoms of periodontitis can include the signs of gingivitis listed above, as well as the following indications:

An unpleasant taste in the mouth that lingers

Bad breath (also known as halitosis)

Abscesses developing under the gums

Loose or wobbly teeth

Bone loss or tooth loss

An increase in dental infections

Severe pain (especially when eating or speaking)

As you can see, the symptoms of periodontitis can be far more severe, depending on how far the disease has progressed. This is why it’s so important to seek out dental care if you start to notice the early signs of gum disease, enabling you to take action before the condition progresses further.

How Can I Treat Gum Disease?

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, depending on the severity, there are several treatment options you may be able to explore:

Regular dental checkups: Once you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, it’s important to maintain regular dentist check-ups, so your dentist can keep on top of your condition and offer tailored recommendations to treat your form of gum disease.
Practising good dental hygiene: The best way to reduce the risk of gum disease is by following a good oral hygiene routine, which should include brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily
Using an ‘over-the-counter’ antiseptic mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash can help to prevent the build-up of plaque and control the bacteria in your mouth. Your dentist can recommend one if you’re not sure which one to buy.
A scale & polish treatment: A scale and polish dental cleaning treatment can be carried out by your dentist to remove the build-up of tartar from the surface of your teeth in stages of mild gum disease.
Scaling and root planing: Scaling and root planing is a form of deep dental cleaning that removes bacteria, plaque and tartar from below your gum line.
Tooth extraction or gum surgery: Depending on the severity of your gum issues, with more serious cases you may need to have gum surgery or a tooth extraction procedure carried out.

Once diagnosed, your dentist should give you the correct information about which treatment options are best for your situation. If your dentist fails to spot the signs and or provide the right treatment and your condition gets worse, you might be eligible to open a dental negligence claim.

The Consequences of Leaving Gum Disease Untreated

It’s important to get treatment carried out as soon as possible, as ignoring the early warning signs of gum disease can lead to severe consequences, such as tooth loss, bone damage and can even sometimes affect systemic health issues (including things like heart disease and diabetes).

In some cases, complications can also arise from dental negligence, as well as patient neglect. For example, if a dentist fails to diagnose or treat gum disease in its early stages, they could be held accountable if something goes wrong later.

When gum disease progresses to periodontitis, the infection can spread further to the bone and ligaments that support the teeth. If this happens, it can lead to loose teeth, tooth loss, and even changes in your bite alignment. It’s rare, but in severe cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream and contribute to other health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, sepsis and complications during pregnancy.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

The best way to prevent gum disease is to adhere to a strict oral hygiene routine , such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing or using interdental brushes daily and attending your regular dental check-ups. However, gum disease can still develop with the best care, which is why it’s so essential for your dentist to monitor your oral health and address any early signs of gum disease they notice.

Here are our top tips for preventing gum disease:

Brush your teeth twice a day: You should brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Floss daily: Flossing daily also helps to remove plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach places between your teeth and along the gumline.
Use mouthwash: An antimicrobial mouthwash may be helpful in reducing plaque and bacteria in your mouth.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet: Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help support your immune system, as well as promote healthy gums.
Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and using other tobacco products have been linked to gum disease, and may make it harder for your gums to heal.
Visit your dentist regularly: You may not need to visit the dentist every six months. However, it’s still important to have regular dental check-ups and cleanings to maintain good oral health and catch the early signs of gum disease before the condition gets worse.

By following these steps, you should be well prepared for gum disease, should the condition appear.

How Does Dental Negligence Come Into Play?

Dental negligence occurs when a dental professional fails to provide the standard of care expected, resulting in some form of harm to the patient. This harm can include physical injuries, psychological distress and financial losses..

We asked a member of our expert team to elaborate on the link between dental negligence and gum disease:

‘Gum disease is one of the most common conditions in the UK, with almost one in five adults suffering from a form of the disease. If you are suffering from mistreated or undiagnosed gum disease by your dentist, you could be entitled to compensation. In the last 3 years we have helped our clients secure over £2.6 million in compensation for misdiagnosed or mistreated gum disease. If you feel you have experienced delayed diagnosis, failed or incorrect treatment, or dental neglect in relation to gum disease, please contact us now on 0800 152 2034.’

In the context of gum disease, dental negligence could include:

- Failing to diagnose the condition: If your dentist overlooks common gum symptoms (such as bleeding gums or receding gums), or misdiagnoses the condition, they may miss the opportunity to treat gum disease in its early stages.
- Failing to provide the appropriate treatment or referrals: If your dentist fails to provide the necessary treatments or referrals (such as scaling and root planing), your condition may worsen and require further procedures.
- Actively ignoring patient complaints or symptoms: If a patient reports the symptoms or complaints of gum disease and their dentist dismisses their concerns or refuses to investigate further, this could also constitute negligence.

Failing to obtain informed patient consent: Your dentist has a duty to obtain voluntary consent for any procedures they carry out, which also includes providing you with information about the risks, alternative treatments and complications of the treatment.

If you believe your gum disease has been actively worsened due to dental negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation from your dentist. Consulting with a dental negligence solicitor can help you understand your rights and explore your legal options, enabling you to seek an appropriate sum of money to cover any financial losses.

What Should I Do If I Suspect Dental Negligence?

If you suspect that dental negligence is the cause of your gum disease complications, taking action could help you overcome your ordeal.

Once you contact us, we’ll explain the dental negligence claims process in full, before deciding whether we’re able to take your case on. If you are eligible for a dental claim, we may need to gather evidence to support your case, including your dental records, treatment plans, X-rays and any notes from your dental appointments.

Most of our cases are resolved within the negotiations stage, but in some situations, you may need to go to court if a settlement cannot be reached. All our cases are carried out with a no-win, no-fee guarantee, which means that you won’t pay anything if your case is unsuccessful.

Understanding the Connection Between Dental Negligence and Gum Disease

We hope that after reading through this page, you have a greater understanding of why recognising the early signs of gum disease is so essential for maintaining your oral health. While good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are key to preventing serious complications, dental professionals also have a duty of care and responsibility to provide timely and effective care for their patients.

If you’ve suffered from dental negligence due to a failure to diagnose or treat gum disease, you may be eligible to open a claim against your dentist. By staying informed and seeking out legal advice when necessary, you can protect both your dental health and your legal rights, supporting you through your ordeal.

If you’re ready to get started with your claim, we’ll be happy to help. Please call our expert team on 0800 152 2039 or request a callback today to find out more.

Spotting the early signs of gum disease