Barnet Smiles Dental Care
  • 020 8441 6201
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Gum Disease

What is gum disease?

Tartar and plaque are perfect environments for bacteria. Gum disease occurs when bacteria starts to attack the soft gum tissue surrounding the teeth, causing swelling soreness or infection. Smoking causes people to have more plaque, which can make gum disease worse. Gum disease usually develops painlessly so it’s easy not to notice the damage it is doing. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, treatment can become more difficult.

There are two main forms of gum disease:

Gingivitis – is the inflammation of the gums, usually caused by bacterial infection, as a result of plaque build-up on teeth and gums. This results in red, tender or swollen gums and bad breath.

Periodontitis – if left untreated, gingivitis develops into periodontitis, which affects the tissues supporting the tooth i.e. gums, bone and periodontal ligament. It can lead to a more serious infection that can destroy the bone supporting the teeth and causes the development of small spaces (pockets) between the gum and teeth, resulting in loose teeth that may eventually fall out.

The main risk factors for gum disease are poor oral hygiene (plaque and tartar build-up), smoking, diabetes, dental appliances that fit poorly, stress, genetic factors, compromised immunity and consuming certain medications. We offer Periodontal Gum Treatment to help prevent and treat gum disease.

Treating gum disease

Our dentists and hygienists work closely together to treat and reverse the effects of gum disease.

Mild cases of gum disease (gingivitis) can be treated by visiting a hygienist, who will perform a thorough clean and remove any calculus. This makes it easier for you to maintain a good level of oral hygiene at home by brushing twice daily and flossing regularly.

If severe gum disease is found (periodontitis), further treatment may be needed. The first stage involves non-surgical cleaning of the pockets below the gum line, known as root planing, which removes plaque and tartar from the tooth roots. As this involves deeper cleaning under the gum line, the procedure may require local anaesthetic and several visits to the practice.

If non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful, periodontal surgery may be required to stop progressive bone loss and help regenerate bone where possible.

In order to prevent progression of periodontitis, it is important to have regular check-ups and professional cleaning every three months so that affected teeth can be closely monitored and treated.

  • Gum Disease Examinations from £46.00
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Beautiful smiles for the commuter belt

At Barnet Smiles, we want to make first class dental treatment and service accessible to as many people as possible, not just those who live in Barnet.

We understand that for many of us going to the dentist can be a daunting prospect. From the moment you walk into Barnet Smiles, the welcoming staff will put your mind at rest, making it easy to forget you are about to visit the dentist.

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    Teeth Whitening

    Brighter and whiter smiles look younger.

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    Dental Hygiene

    Healthy teeth and gums are key to a longer lasting smile.

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    New Patients

    We are always pleased to welcome new patients to our practice.

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Get In Touch

Email

reception@barnetsmiles.co.uk

Telephone

020 8441 6201

Opening Hours

Monday
08:30 - 17:30
Tuesday
08:30 - 17:30
Wednesday
08:30 - 17:30
Thursday
08:30 - 17:30
Friday
08:30 - 16:00

Please note, we close for lunch between 1 and 2pm

Areas covered

Areas we serve include: Edmonton, Edgware, High Barnet

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© Barnet Smiles Dental Care Ltd, 87 Cedar Lawn Ave, Barnet, EN5 2LP | 020 8441 6201
Website Updated June 2025 | Complaints Procedure | Privacy Policy | Dental Websites

Free E-Consultation
  • About us
    ▼
    • Meet the Team
    • Our News
  • New Patients
  • Facial Aesthetics
    ▼
    • Botox and Anti-Wrinkle Injections
    • Dermal Fillers
    • Microneedling
    • Profhilo
    • Obagi Skincare
  • Treatments
    ▼
    • General & Restorative
      ▼
      • Examinations
      • Dental Hygiene
        ▼
        • Gum Disease
      • Tooth-coloured fillings
      • Crowns
      • Bridges
      • Dentures
      • Root Canal
      • Dental Implants
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      ▼
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Tooth-coloured fillings
      • Veneers
      • Invisalign
      • Composite Bonding
    • Children’s Dentistry
      ▼
      • Preventative treatments for children
    • Emergencies
  • Fees
    ▼
    • Special Offers
    • Membership Plan
  • Smile Gallery
  • Emergencies
  • Contact us
    ▼
    • Medical and Dental History Form
    • Patient Consent Form
    • Smile Wish List