Dentist Belfast

Gum disease and periodontics in Belfast

By Dr Faiz Azizan · Last updated October 2026 · How we list clinics

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque, a sticky substance containing bacteria, on the teeth. Early gum disease, called gingivitis, causes red, swollen gums that bleed. If untreated it can become periodontitis, which affects the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. Dentists and hygienists treat it, and some cases are referred to a specialist.

Reviewed by Dr Faiz Azizan, who is also the site author, so this is a self-review rather than an independent one. Last updated 2026-10-06. Editorial policy.

What it involves

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth, according to nidirect. Plaque is a sticky substance that contains bacteria. Early gum disease, gingivitis, causes red, swollen gums that bleed after brushing or flossing. Untreated, it can become periodontitis, which affects the tissues and bone that support the teeth.

The NHS says early treatment centres on advice about keeping teeth clean, such as using interdental brushes, and cleaning by a hygienist. Serious cases can need deep cleaning under the gums, antibiotics, extractions or gum surgery. See dental hygienist for what a professional clean involves.

When to see a dentist

nidirect advises making an appointment if your gums are painful, swollen or bleed when you brush. The NHS says dentists check teeth and gums and may refer a patient to a specialist for further tests and treatment.

Questions to ask a practice

  • Does the practice treat gum disease itself, or refer patients to a specialist?
  • Who carries out deep cleaning, a dentist or a hygienist?
  • Is the treatment Health Service or private in Northern Ireland, and what is the exact cost?
  • How often will my gums be reviewed?
  • Which cleaning routine should I follow at home?

Belfast-area practices that list gum disease care

20 practices show this on their own website or Google listing; 8 mores mention it only on a group website, so we do not count them. Whether a practice offers it for you, and at what cost, is for the practice to confirm.

AreaPractices
Dentists in Belfast BT94
Dentists in Belfast BT153
Dentists in Lisburn3
Dentists in Belfast BT62
Dentists in Belfast BT41
Dentists in Belfast BT51
Dentists in Belfast BT71
Dentists in Belfast BT81
Dentists in Newtownabbey1
Dentists in Newtownards1

All 20 practices, A to Z

Guides

Frequently asked questions

What are the first signs of gum disease?

The NHS lists gums that bleed when you brush your teeth, floss or eat hard foods, and swelling, as early signs. nidirect adds red and swollen gums and describes this early stage as gingivitis. See your dentist if your gums are painful, swollen or bleed when you brush.

Can gum disease be treated?

nidirect states that mild cases can usually be treated with good oral hygiene. The NHS says serious cases can need deep cleaning under the gums, antibiotics, extractions or gum surgery, and that a dentist may refer you to a specialist. Your dentist decides which treatment fits your case.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

nidirect describes gingivitis as the early stage, with red, swollen gums that bleed. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the tissues and bone that support the teeth can also be affected, potentially causing loose teeth and gum recession. A dentist can diagnose which stage applies.

How many Belfast-area practices list gum disease care?

20 listed practices show it on their own website or Google listing, most often in Belfast BT9 (4), Belfast BT15 (3), Lisburn (3). A practice may offer it without publishing it, so ask the practice.

Are the gum disease care practices ranked on this page?

No. The 20 practices that list gum disease care are shown A to Z, and each area page lists its own practices alphabetically. Ratings shown elsewhere on the site come from Google and are not a measure of clinical quality.

Sources