Gum Care — Diagnosis and Treatment of Gum Disease
Assessment and treatment of bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth and other periodontal conditions. Treatment is planned after clinical examination and, where required, radiographs, and is carried out with techniques aimed at keeping the patient as comfortable as possible.
What Is Gum Care (Periodontics)?
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth, which include the bone and the periodontal ligament. Gum disease is one of the more common causes of tooth loss in adults, and it usually develops gradually, so early assessment is important.
Common Gum Conditions Treated
- Bleeding, swollen or tender gums (gingivitis)
- Bad breath or a persistent metallic taste
- Gum recession and exposed root surfaces
- Gums that have receded or changed shape over time
- Loose teeth, tooth movement and changes in bite
- Calculus (tartar) build-up above and below the gum line
- Abscess or gum boil near a tooth
Periodontal Specialist
- Dr. Jagveer Singh Saluja — Founder & Chief Dental Surgeon
- MDS Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Rama Dental College, Kanpur (2010)
- Practising in oral surgery, implantology and gum-related conditions since 2011
Dr. Jagveer Singh Saluja
Founder & Chief Dental Surgeon
MDS Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Implantologist
Gum conditions are assessed with examination, charting of the gum tissues and, where required, radiographs. The diagnosis, the treatment proposed, the options available and the associated risks are explained before treatment is started.
Gum Treatments We Perform
Each treatment below is carried out only where it is clinically indicated. The approach used depends on the depth of the pockets, the amount of bone loss, and the findings on examination and imaging.
Scaling (Teeth Cleaning)
Removal of plaque and hardened calculus from the tooth surfaces and from just below the gum line using ultrasonic and hand instruments.
Root Planing
Smoothing of the root surface below the gum line to remove residual deposits and allow the gum tissue to settle against the tooth.
Laser Gum Therapy
Use of a dental laser to decontaminate periodontal pockets and remove diseased soft tissue, with reduced bleeding during the procedure.
Flap Surgery (Periodontal Flap)
The gum is lifted to allow the root surface and bone to be cleaned directly, used where pockets are too deep to treat without surgery.
Gingivectomy & Crown Lengthening
Removal of excess or inflamed gum tissue, or reshaping of the gum where the clinical crown needs to be exposed for restorative work.
Grafting for Receded Gums
Soft tissue or bone grafting where the gum has receded or where bone support has reduced, to cover exposed root surfaces and support the gum.
Supportive Periodontal Therapy
Scheduled cleaning and monitoring at intervals decided by your periodontist, to keep the gums and supporting tissues stable over time.
Gum Disease Diagnosis
Measurement of pocket depth, assessment of gum recession and mobility, and radiographs to determine the amount of bone loss around the teeth.
Gum Abscess Care
Drainage of a gum or dental abscess along with removal of the source, which may involve deep cleaning, root canal treatment or extraction.
Gum Contouring
Reshaping of an uneven or inflamed gum line for cleaning comfort and for restorative or orthodontic treatment planning.
Gum Health for Implants
Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis assessment and treatment, including decontamination and correction of implant surface deposits.
Oral Hygiene Assessment
Review of brushing technique, interdental cleaning and plaque levels, since home care is central to controlling gum inflammation.
Common Gum Diseases and Their Treatment
Gum disease usually begins as inflammation of the gums. If it is not controlled, it can extend to the bone supporting the teeth. The stage and type of disease determine the treatment required.
Gingivitis (Gum Inflammation)
Inflammation of the gum tissue without loss of the supporting bone. Typical signs are bleeding when brushing or probing, redness, swelling and an unpleasant taste. Plaque that has hardened into calculus is commonly present. Treatment usually involves scaling, root planing where required, and improved daily cleaning.
Chronic Periodontitis
A long-standing condition in which the gums separate from the teeth and periodontal pockets form. Symptoms can include bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession, sensitivity, and teeth that feel loose or appear to move. Treatment includes deep cleaning, and surgery is considered where pockets persist after non-surgical therapy.
Aggressive Periodontitis
A group of conditions in which the disease progresses more quickly than expected, often in younger patients and sometimes linked to family history, systemic conditions or smoking. Microbiological testing may be advised, and the treatment plan is reviewed more frequently.
Gum Recession
The root surface becomes visible as the gum margin moves away from the tooth. This can cause sensitivity to hot or cold food, a metallic taste, widening of gaps between teeth and reduced gum support. Causes include brushing technique, calculus, teeth grinding and orthodontic movement.
Necrotising Gingivitis & Periodontitis
An acute infection in which gum tissue breaks down, often with pain, bleeding, a grey discolouration of the gums and a strong odour. It is more common in people who are stressed, sleep-deprived, malnourished or smoking. Treatment involves thorough cleaning, addressing the underlying factors and follow-up review.
Gum Swelling, Growths & Abscess
Swelling of the gum tissue may occur in connection with an infection from the tooth, around a partially erupted wisdom tooth, or as a soft tissue growth such as a pyogenic granuloma or a gum cyst. Where a lump or ulcer persists for more than two weeks, an examination is advised and biopsy may be taken.
Drug-Related & Hormonal Gum Changes
Gums may become swollen, tender or more prone to bleeding during pregnancy, while some medicines used for blood pressure, epilepsy, calcium channel blockers or immune conditions can cause gum overgrowth. These changes are usually managed by careful cleaning and, where appropriate, reviewing the medication with your physician.
Peri-Implant Gum Disease
Inflammation and, in some cases, loss of the bone around a dental implant. Signs include bleeding around the implant, increased probing depth, bad breath and sometimes gum recession. Treatment involves professional decontamination of the implant surface, correction of home cleaning, and control of other gum conditions.
When a Gum Assessment Is Advised
These are common reasons people are referred for a gum examination or periodontal consultation.
Check any that apply to you.
The Gum Care Process
From the first examination to maintenance visits, each stage is explained before it happens.
Examination & Assessment
The gums are examined and pocket depths are measured around each tooth. Reced areas, tooth mobility, plaque levels and the appearance of the supporting bone are recorded.
Radiographs Where Indicated
Digital radiographs, and 3D imaging where appropriate, help assess the level of bone support and any defect in the bone around the teeth.
Discussion & Treatment Plan
The stage of the disease, the treatment proposed, alternatives, the expected number of visits, home-care instructions and the associated risks are discussed before consent is taken.
Cleaning & Gum Therapy
Scaling and root planing are carried out under local anaesthesia where needed, using ultrasonic and hand instruments and, in selected cases, a dental laser. Areas treated are kept clean and the tissues are allowed to settle.
Re-assessment
The pockets are re-measured after healing. Where deep pockets remain despite cleaning, options such as flap surgery or grafting are discussed again before proceeding.
Maintenance Programme
Reviews at intervals decided by your periodontist, usually every 3 to 6 months, help control plaque and bleeding and detect any change in gum or bone health early.
Comfort, Home Care & Warning Signs
Gum treatments are performed with a focus on patient comfort. Local anaesthesia, desensitising measures and shorter appointments are used as appropriate, and most people describe the procedure as manageable. A small amount of tenderness for a day or two afterwards is common.
Daily Home Care
- Brush twice a day for about two minutes with a soft-bristled brush
- Angle the brush towards the gum line and use gentle circular movements
- Clean between teeth daily with interdental brushes or dental floss
- Use a mouthwash recommended by your dentist where advised
- Limit sugary snacks and smoking, both of which increase gum inflammation
- Replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles spread
After Scaling or Gum Surgery
- Mild soreness for 24 to 48 hours, easing with a warm salt-water gargle
- Some sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods for a short period
- Soft, cool foods recommended for the first day or two after surgery
- Take prescribed medication exactly as directed
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, very hot or very cold food for the first 24 to 48 hours
- Brush all other areas normally and keep the treated area clean as instructed
When to Contact Us
- Bleeding that continues for more than a few days after treatment
- Pain or swelling that increases after the first 48 hours
- Discharge or an unpleasant taste from the gum area
- Fever, or feeling generally unwell
- A gum lump, ulcer or growth that persists for more than two weeks
- A tooth that becomes noticeably looser
Facts About Gum Disease
- Gum disease is common in adults and often develops without pain at first
- Most early cases can be controlled with professional cleaning and better home care
- Advanced cases may require surgery to reduce pockets and clean the root surface
- Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes increase the risk and can delay healing
- Treatment stops the progression of disease; it does not replace regular maintenance visits
- Some bone already lost to gum disease does not grow back on its own
Why Assessment and Maintenance Matter
Regular periodontal assessment helps establish the stage of the disease, record changes over time and select a treatment approach suited to the individual case.
Staged Diagnosis
Pocket depth, bleeding on probing, mobility and bone levels together establish whether the disease is gingivitis, moderate or advanced periodontitis.
3D Imaging for Defects
Three-dimensional imaging is used where bone loss or a defect needs to be assessed before regeneration procedures are considered.
Laser-Assisted Therapy
A dental laser can be used for pocket decontamination and tissue reshaping, with less bleeding during the procedure and reduced soreness afterwards.
Monitoring Over Time
Repeated pocket measurements and radiographs allow healing and any change in bone support to be tracked rather than assumed.
Non-Surgical First
Where a condition can be treated with professional cleaning and better home care, that option is discussed before any surgical procedure is considered.
Documented Records
Charting, radiographs, findings and consent are recorded in your case file so that treatment can be compared and reviewed over time.
Costs & Coverage Options
Gum treatment costs vary with the stage of the disease, the number of visits required and whether a surgical procedure is involved. A written estimate is provided after assessment.
Government Scheme Coverage
The clinic is empanelled with CGHS, ECHS, ESI, EPFO, UP Police and U.P. Metro since 2018. Periodontal procedures may be covered under these schemes where they meet the scheme criteria. Our team assists with documentation and claims processing.
Cashless & Reimbursement
Eligible beneficiaries may receive cashless treatment or reimbursement as per the terms of their scheme. Please bring your scheme card and any referral documentation when you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Early gum disease most often shows as bleeding when brushing or cleaning between the teeth, red or swollen gums, bad breath and a metallic taste. Because these stages may not hurt, regular dental examinations are the usual way they are detected.
Scaling and root planing are carried out with a focus on patient comfort. Local anaesthesia is used where it is needed, appointments are usually kept short, and most people report mild sensitivity afterwards rather than significant discomfort. Techniques are used to minimise any soreness.
Bleeding usually means the gum is inflamed, which is most often caused by plaque and hardened calculus. It can also result from a brushing technique that is too hard, smoking, certain medicines, hormonal changes, or blood-related conditions. An examination helps identify the cause.
As the supporting bone is lost, a tooth can become mobile. Controlling the infection and carrying out periodontal treatment can stabilise many teeth, though teeth with very little remaining bone support may not be treatable and may need removal. Bone that has been lost does not fully return on its own.
Surgery is usually considered only where pockets remain deep after scaling and root planing. In a flap procedure the gum is lifted so the root surface can be cleaned directly, and the gum is then repositioned and sutured. Laser therapy may be used in selected cases. The procedure is done under local anaesthesia with measures to keep you comfortable.
For most people with treated periodontal disease, maintenance visits every 3 to 6 months are recommended, with pocket measurements and radiographs at intervals set by your periodontist. If you have diabetes, a smoking habit or a history of rapid progression, closer review is usually advised.
Bleeding usually reduces or stops once the cause of the inflammation is treated and plaque control improves, but the response varies from person to person. Bleeding that continues after treatment, or worsens, needs reassessment as it may indicate a different or additional cause.
The inflammation around receded areas is treated first, and sensitivity can usually be managed with desensitising measures. Where coverage is wanted or the recession affects support for a tooth, soft tissue grafting or bone grafting may be discussed after assessment.
Brush twice daily with a soft brush angled at the gum line, clean between the teeth every day with interdental brushes or floss, and use a mouthwash only as advised. Reducing sugary snacks and avoiding tobacco also reduces gum inflammation and supports healing after treatment.
Inflammatory gum disease is more common in people with diabetes and can make blood sugar control more difficult, so gum assessment is usually advised as part of routine care. During pregnancy, hormonal changes often increase gum bleeding and swelling, so a cleaning and advice on home care are commonly recommended.
Yes. You are welcome to seek a second opinion before agreeing to any periodontal procedure. If you have radiographs, charting or a diagnosis from elsewhere, please bring them along so the findings can be reviewed together.
Yes. Bleeding and swelling around a dental implant is assessed and treated, including professional decontamination of the implant surface, correction of home cleaning technique, and management of any remaining periodontal pockets in the mouth.
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Discuss bleeding gums, recession, bad breath or tooth mobility with a qualified dental surgeon. Diagnosis, options, risks and the expected course of treatment are explained before anything is scheduled.