- dental health
How to Restore and Maintain Healthy Gums
Medically reviewed by Dr Theodora Bravi
Founder & Specialist Prosthodontist
- Last updated August 2026
In 30 seconds…
Healthy gums are the foundation of a confident smile. At Thames Dental & Skin, we provide specialist gum disease treatment in Thames Ditton, helping patients restore gum health and protect their overall wellbeing.
From managing early signs such as bleeding gums to more advanced treatment, our focus is on clear advice and comfortable, effective care.
Table of Contents
Gum Health: Signs, Stages & Why It Matters
Bleeding when brushing, swollen or tender gums, bad breath, or teeth that feel loose are common early signs of gum disease. In its first stage (gingivitis), gum disease is reversible. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which damages the supporting structures of the teeth and may lead to tooth loss.
Gum health also connects to whole-body health. Research links chronic gum disease with conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, so looking after your gums supports your wider wellbeing. See the NHS overview of gum disease for more detail.
Specialist Gum Disease Treatment in Thames Ditton
As a Specialist Periodontist, Dr Kaimakamis diagnoses gum problems accurately and provides tailored treatment. Care is delivered under local anaesthetic, with sedation available for nervous patients. Modern periodontal treatment is much more comfortable than many expect.
- Comprehensive gum assessment: measuring gum pocket depths, reviewing bone support, and identifying inflammation.
- Deep cleaning beneath the gums (root surface debridement): removing the bacteria and tartar that drive disease.
- Advanced therapies where appropriate: procedures to regenerate support or cover exposed roots in selected cases.
- Maintenance programme: regular reviews and hygiene visits to keep gums stable long-term.
Our hygienists use Airflow® technology for thorough yet gentle cleaning, helping your gums stay healthy and making maintenance as comfortable as possible.
Everyday Habits for Healthy Gums
- Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush angled at the gumline.
- Clean between teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes.
- Use mouthwash at a different time to brushing (not immediately after).
- Avoid smoking — it’s a major risk factor for gum disease.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and fibre.
- Attend regular check-ups and hygiene visits — every 3–6 months if you’ve had gum problems.
Discover our Skin Health Programme
A personalised pathway to clearer, healthier skin, combining professional LED therapy and chemical peels with expert guidance at every stage.
- A personalised plan built around your skin
- Professional LED therapy and chemical peels
- Expert guidance from consultation through to long-term results
Specialist Gum Care in Surrey
If you’ve noticed bleeding, tenderness, or changes in your gums, it’s best to seek advice sooner rather than later. Our gum disease treatments start from £400 and include:
- An initial consultation with Dr Pano
- Advanced diagnostics where needed
- A treatment and maintenance plan tailored to your needs
We welcome patients from across Surrey, including Thames Ditton, Surbiton, Kingston, Cobham, Esher, Weybridge, Walton and Molesey.
Your expert: Dr Theodora Bravi
Dr Theodora Bravi is founder and clinical lead at Thames Dental & Skin. Trained at Guy’s and King’s College Hospitals, with a background in Harley Street and over 25 years practising in Thames Ditton, she combines restorative and cosmetic dentistry with facial aesthetics, skin health and functional health diagnostics.
Key takeaways
Healthy gums are essential for maintaining strong teeth and a confident smile. Bleeding, swollen or tender gums should not be ignored, as early gum disease can often be reversed with the right combination of professional care and consistent home oral hygiene.
The key things to remember about restoring and maintaining healthy gums are:
- Bleeding gums are not something to ignore, particularly when accompanied by swelling, tenderness, bad breath or changes in how your teeth feel.
- Early gum disease, known as gingivitis, is usually reversible, with professional cleaning and improved daily oral care helping to control inflammation.
- Untreated gum disease can progress to periodontitis, which can damage the bone and tissues supporting your teeth and may eventually contribute to tooth loss.
- Daily cleaning between your teeth is essential, using floss or interdental brushes alongside brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush.
- Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease, so stopping smoking can make an important difference to your periodontal health.
- Professional gum treatment can remove bacteria and tartar below the gumline, with root surface debridement used where appropriate to help control established gum disease.
- Receding gums do not naturally grow back, but specialist procedures such as gum grafting may improve coverage and sensitivity in suitable cases.
- Ongoing maintenance is important after gum treatment, with regular dental examinations, hygiene appointments and personalised home-care advice helping keep your gums stable long term.
- Specialist assessment can identify problems that may not be obvious at home, including deeper gum pockets, inflammation and changes to the supporting bone.
At Thames Dental & Skin in Thames Ditton, specialist periodontal care is provided by Dr Panayiotis Kaimakamis, with treatment tailored to the condition of your gums and supporting tissues. From early gingivitis through to established periodontitis, the aim is to control disease, protect your teeth and help you maintain healthy gums for the long term.
Related insights from Thames
FAQs
Yes — gingivitis can usually be reversed with professional cleaning and improved home care. Established periodontitis requires specialist treatment and ongoing maintenance.
Gum tissue does not regrow naturally once lost. However, specific procedures (such as gum grafting) can improve coverage and sensitivity, and professional care helps prevent further recession.
No — treatment is performed with local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable, and sedation is available if needed. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how straightforward it feels.
Yes. Many of our gum health patients travel from nearby Surrey towns such as Surbiton, Kingston, Cobham, Esher, Weybridge, Walton-on-Thames and Molesey. Our Thames Ditton location makes specialist periodontal care easy to access across the area.
