If you visit your dentist for a general check up and they fail to diagnose that you have gum disease, they could be considered negligent for failing to recognise the signs. They could also be considered negligent if they do see the signs of gum disease but don’t tell you about it or fail to give you advice about how to reduce the risk of the condition developing further.

The kinds of advice you should expect may include:

• Oral hygiene advice, like discussing brushing and flossing techniques
• Recommending an appointment with the dental hygienist
• Reminding you to come back for regular check-ups with the dentist

If you think that this is something that has happened to you, and you believe that your dentist has acted negligently, you can speak to one of our team for free initial advice about whether you have a claim and the best next steps for you.

Both gingivitis and periodontitis, can usually be prevented by:

• Excellent oral hygiene at home
• Regular visits to your dentist. They will examine the health of your gums and bone levels using special instruments.

Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, can also increase your risk of developing gum disease. In these cases, it is crucial that you visit your dentist regularly. They will be able to advise you on the preventative steps you can take to avoid gum disease.

Early gum disease, such as gingivitis, can be treated by maintaining good oral hygiene at home to prevent the build-up of plaque. Your dentist will advise you of a suitable routine – generally it will include brushing and flossing twice a day. Your dentist or hygienist may clean (scale) your teeth to remove any plaque build-up.

If gum disease has progressed to an advanced stage, treatment becomes much more complex. You may need referral to a specialist periodontist. Treatment can include deep cleaning (root planing), surgery and extraction.

In early cases of gum disease, there is usually no discomfort or noticeable symptoms. However, as the issue worsens, you may notice:

• Your gums appear puffy or swollen
• Your gums are a dark red colour
• Your gums start to bleed easily, particularly when you are brushing or flossing
• Your gums feel more tender than usual, and can be painful to touch
• Bad breath
• Your gums may appear to recede

Generally, healthy gums are a pale pink colour and will appear fitted tightly around the teeth. So, if you feel that your gums don’t match this description, it’s important that you visit your dentist for a check-up as soon as possible. You should highlight these symptoms to your dentist, who will then advise you on your best course of action.