Professional care treats gum disease; consistent home care prevents it from returning. The following habits form the foundation of good gum health:
- Brush thoroughly twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Electric toothbrushes tend to outperform manual brushing for plaque removal and are worth considering if you are managing gum disease
- Clean between your teeth every day using interdental brushes, dental floss, or a water flosser. Plaque between the teeth and at the gum margin is the primary driver of gum disease, and a toothbrush alone cannot reach it
- Use mouthwash at a separate time of day to brushing, not immediately afterwards, to maximise its effect rather than simply washing away the concentrated fluoride from your toothpaste
- Attend your dental check-up and hygiene appointments at the intervals recommended by your clinical team. For patients with a history of periodontitis, three to four monthly hygiene visits are typical during the maintenance phase
- Do not smoke. Smoking is the single most significant behavioural risk factor for gum disease and also masks many of the early warning signs, making it harder to detect the condition in its earlier stages
- If you have diabetes, work with your medical team to keep your blood glucose well controlled; good glycaemic management significantly reduces periodontal risk
- If you notice any changes in your gums between appointments, contact your practice rather than waiting for your next scheduled visit
Gum Health Care in Islington, North London
DentalShine is an award-winning, family-run dental practice at 372 Essex Road, Islington, London N1 3PF. Our hygiene and periodontal care is a central part of what we do, led by our experienced clinical team including principal dentists Dr Aris Psathopoulos and Dr Margarita Vochaiti, alongside our dedicated hygienist Beata Lubik.
We offer comprehensive gum assessments, professional hygiene appointments including Airflow treatment, and structured periodontal management for patients with active gum disease. Every patient receives honest, personalised advice about the state of their gum health and what the most appropriate next steps are for their situation.
Our practice is conveniently located for patients across Islington, Angel, Highbury, Canonbury, Barnsbury, Dalston, and the wider North London area. Angel station on the Northern line is a short walk from our door, and Essex Road is well served by bus routes across the borough.
If you have noticed any of the signs described in this article, or if it has been some time since your last professional hygiene appointment, we would be glad to see you. Gum disease responds well to treatment when it is caught early, and the sooner you seek an assessment, the more straightforward the journey back to healthy gums tends to be.
What Happens at a Gum Assessment at DentalShine
If you come to us with concerns about your gums, or if signs of gum disease are identified during a routine check-up, we will carry out a thorough periodontal assessment. This is a painless process that gives us a precise picture of what is happening at and below the gum line.
Pocket depth charting
Using a slender, blunt periodontal probe, your dentist or hygienist measures the depth of the space between your gum and each tooth at multiple points around the mouth. The measurements are recorded and compared at each subsequent visit to track whether the situation is improving, stable, or progressing.
Bleeding on probing
A healthy gum does not bleed when gently probed. Bleeding at specific sites during the assessment helps identify where active inflammation is present, guiding the focus of treatment.
Gum recession measurement
Any visible recession is recorded and monitored over time. Knowing how much recession is present, and whether it is stable or worsening, informs decisions about both treatment and preventive advice.
Radiographic assessment
Where periodontitis is suspected, dental X-rays allow us to assess the level of bone support around the tooth roots. Bone loss is not visible from the surface, so X-rays form an important part of a complete periodontal picture.
Risk factor review
We also consider the factors that influence your personal susceptibility to gum disease, including smoking status, diabetes, stress, certain medications, and family history. Understanding your risk profile helps us tailor our recommendations and the frequency of your ongoing care
Book a gum health assessment at DentalShine
372 Essex Road, Islington, London N1 3PF
0207 226 9797 | dentalshinepractice@gmail.com
dentalshine.co.uk | @dentalshinepractice_
Serving patients in Islington, Angel, Highbury, Canonbury, Barnsbury and Dalston.
We love to see you smile.
