Question 1

Is it normal for gums to bleed when I start flossing again?

Accepted Answer

Some bleeding in the first days of flossing is common, but it is a sign of inflamed gums, not of flossing too hard. Healthy gums do not bleed. If you floss gently every day, bleeding from simple gingivitis usually settles within one to two weeks. If it carries on longer, or your gums are swollen or sore, book a check-up and cleaning.

Question 2

How can I tell whether I have gingivitis or periodontitis?

Accepted Answer

Gingivitis affects only the gum and is reversible: red, puffy gums that bleed, with no loss of bone. Periodontitis means the infection has damaged the bone and fibres holding the teeth, creating pockets, recession or loosening. You cannot tell them apart in the mirror. A dentist measures the pockets around each tooth and checks X-rays to find out which one you have.

Question 3

Can gum disease be cured, or only controlled?

Accepted Answer

Gingivitis can be cured completely with a professional clean and good daily brushing and flossing. Periodontitis can be stopped and kept stable, but lost bone does not usually grow back by itself, so it is managed for life with home care and regular maintenance cleanings. Starting treatment early protects more of the support around your teeth.

Question 4

Why are my gums receding when I am still young?

Accepted Answer

In younger adults recession is often caused by brushing too hard with a firm brush, thin gum tissue, teeth that sit far forward in the bone, grinding, past orthodontic movement or a lip or cheek attachment that pulls on the gum. Gum disease and smoking also play a part. A dentist can find the cause and suggest gentler brushing, monitoring or a gum graft.

Question 5

My dentist said I have 5 mm pockets. What does that mean?

Accepted Answer

A pocket is the space between the gum and the tooth. Healthy gums measure about 1–3 mm. Readings of 4–5 mm usually mean early to moderate gum disease where bacteria are living below the gumline, and 6 mm or more suggests more advanced loss of support. Deeper pockets usually need deep cleaning, then re-measuring after several weeks.

Question 6

Why is the gum swollen around just one tooth?

Accepted Answer

Swelling at one tooth is often caused by trapped food such as a popcorn husk, a deep gum pocket, a partly erupted wisdom tooth or an abscess from the tooth's nerve. Rinse with warm salt water and floss gently around it. If the swelling lasts more than two or three days, is painful or comes with a bad taste, have it examined.

Question 7

Can my gums be the reason for my bad breath?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and they are one of the most common causes. Bacteria in gum pockets and on the back of the tongue release sulphur compounds that smell. Dry mouth, decay, food trapped under old fillings or crowns, and some sinus or stomach conditions are other causes. Treating gum disease and cleaning the tongue daily often improves breath noticeably.

Question 8

Is deep cleaning the same as a normal scale and polish?

Accepted Answer

No. A normal cleaning removes plaque and tartar above and just under the gumline. Deep cleaning, also called root planing or root surface debridement, cleans down inside the gum pockets and smooths the root surfaces so the gum can reattach. It is done under local anaesthetic and is treatment for periodontitis, whereas a routine clean is prevention.

Question 9

Will receded gum ever come back without surgery?

Accepted Answer

No. Once gum tissue has receded it does not grow back naturally, but you can usually stop it getting worse by brushing gently with a soft brush and treating any gum disease. Where the root is exposed, sensitive or the recession keeps progressing, a gum graft can cover part of the root. A bonded filling can protect a notch at the gumline.

Question 10

When is gum surgery needed instead of deep cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Surgery is considered only when deep pockets remain after deep cleaning and good home care, usually at 6 mm or more, or where bone has an awkward shape that brushes and instruments cannot reach. Flap surgery lets the dentist clean the roots directly and reshape the bone. Most people with gum disease are managed without surgery.

Question 11

What does laser gum treatment actually do?

Accepted Answer

A dental laser can remove inflamed tissue lining a gum pocket and reduce bacteria, and it seals small blood vessels so there is often less bleeding. It is used alongside deep cleaning, not as a replacement for removing tartar from the roots. Creative Arts uses a dental laser for gum treatment and soft-tissue work; your dentist will say whether it adds anything in your case.

Question 12

Can a tooth that is loose from gum disease be firmed up again?

Accepted Answer

Often it can improve. Once the infection is treated and the gum inflammation settles, a slightly loose tooth may tighten noticeably. Teeth that have lost a lot of bone can be splinted to their neighbours, and the bite can be adjusted to take pressure off them. A tooth with very little support left may need removal and replacement.

Question 13

What is laser gum contouring and who is it for?

Accepted Answer

Laser gum contouring removes a small amount of excess gum to make teeth look longer or to even out an uneven gumline. It suits healthy gums that cover too much of the teeth. It is done under local anaesthetic and the gum usually heals within about one to two weeks. It is not suitable when the gums are inflamed; those need treating first.

Question 14

How is a gummy smile fixed?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the cause. If extra gum covers the teeth, gum contouring or crown lengthening can expose more tooth. If the upper lip lifts very high or the upper jaw has grown downwards, gum work alone will not solve it, and orthodontics or, rarely, jaw surgery in a hospital may be discussed. A dentist checks the gum, lip and bone before recommending anything.

Question 15

Does GBT cleaning help with gum disease?

Accepted Answer

Guided Biofilm Therapy removes plaque and stains with warm air, water and a fine powder, then removes remaining hard tartar with a thin ultrasonic tip. It is gentle on gums and useful both before deep cleaning and for maintenance visits afterwards. It does not replace deep cleaning of infected pockets, but it is an effective way to keep treated gums stable.

Question 16

How much does gum disease treatment cost in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

It varies with how many teeth have deep pockets, whether laser or surgery is needed and how many maintenance visits follow. At Creative Arts gum treatment is priced in your written, itemised plan after a free first consultation. The plan lists each stage, from deep cleaning to review appointments, so you know the full cost before you begin.

Question 17

What affects the price of laser gum contouring?

Accepted Answer

The main factors are how many teeth are involved, whether only gum is reshaped or bone also needs adjusting as in crown lengthening, and whether it is combined with veneers or crowns. Contouring a few front teeth is a much smaller procedure than a full smile line. Your price is set out in a written plan after the examination.

Question 18

Why do deep cleaning quotes differ between clinics?

Accepted Answer

Some clinics quote per quarter of the mouth, others per tooth or per visit, and some include pocket charting, X-rays and the review appointment while others do not. Laser use and maintenance cleanings also change the total. Ask for an itemised plan that shows what is cleaned, how many visits and when your gums will be re-measured.

Question 19

Can I book gum treatment directly, without a referral?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can book an examination at Creative Arts directly by calling +971 4 342 4444 or sending a WhatsApp message to +971 56 677 7537. The first consultation is free, and the dentist will measure your gums and explain your options. If your case needs a specialist periodontist, they will tell you and explain the next step.

Question 20

Where can I have my gums checked in Jumeirah?

Accepted Answer

Creative Arts is at 614 Jumeira St, Jumeirah 3, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai, and is open every day from 10:00 to 20:00. A gum check measures the pockets around every tooth and looks for bleeding, recession and loose teeth. Patients also come from other emirates; the clinic is only in Dubai.

Question 21

Which dentists treat gum problems at Creative Arts?

Accepted Answer

Gum treatment at Creative Arts is led by Dr. Taban Ameen, whose work covers laser and cosmetic dentistry, gum treatment and whitening, and Dr. Iuliia Savitskaia, who provides general care including gum checks and treatment. You can read their profiles and check their Dubai Health Authority licences in the DHA Sheryan directory before you book.

Question 22

How will I know if my gum treatment has worked?

Accepted Answer

Your dentist re-measures the pockets, usually six to eight weeks after deep cleaning, and compares them with the first chart. Less bleeding, shallower pockets and firmer gums show the treatment is working. Any areas that are still deep may need further cleaning or a different approach. Ask for a copy of both charts so you can see the change.

Question 23

How do I choose a dentist for gum disease in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Look for a dentist who measures and records your pockets, explains your X-rays, offers the conservative option first and plans maintenance visits rather than a one-off clean. Check the licence in the DHA Sheryan directory and read reviews from real patients. Creative Arts has a 4.8 rating on Google from 238 reviews.

Question 24

Will I be numbed for a deep cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes. Deep cleaning is normally done under local anaesthetic so you feel pressure and vibration rather than pain, and it is often split into two or more visits by area of the mouth. Afterwards the gums may be tender for a few days and teeth can be sensitive to cold, which is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Question 25

Why do my teeth look longer and gappier after deep cleaning?

Accepted Answer

As swollen gums shrink back to a healthy shape, they can reveal more of the tooth and small spaces between teeth near the gumline. This is a sign that the inflammation has settled, not that the cleaning damaged the gum. Sensitivity usually fades within weeks. If the spaces bother you, ask about options once the gums are stable.

Question 26

What can I eat after laser gum contouring?

Accepted Answer

Stick to soft, lukewarm food for the first few days and avoid spicy, very hot, crunchy or acidic dishes that can sting the healing gum. Brush the area gently with a soft brush and follow the written aftercare you are given. The gum usually looks normal again within about one to two weeks.

Question 27

How often will I need cleanings after treatment for gum disease?

Accepted Answer

Most people who have had periodontitis need a maintenance cleaning every three to four months, at least at first, because bacteria re-colonise deep areas within weeks. If your gums stay stable, the interval may be lengthened. Skipping maintenance is the main reason gum disease returns, even after successful treatment.

Question 28

Should I use a water flosser or interdental brushes for gum disease?

Accepted Answer

Interdental brushes are usually the most effective way to clean between teeth where the gaps allow, and a water flosser is a helpful extra, especially around bridges, implants or braces. Floss suits tight contacts. Your dentist or hygienist can show you which size of brush fits each gap so you clean without hurting the gum.

Question 29

Does smoking or shisha slow down gum healing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Smoking and shisha reduce blood flow in the gums, make gum disease more likely and slow healing after deep cleaning or surgery. They can also hide the warning sign of bleeding, so the disease may be more advanced than it looks. Cutting down or stopping noticeably improves how well gum treatment works.

Question 30

Why do my gums bleed more since I became pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy hormones make the gums react more strongly to plaque, so many women notice swollen, bleeding gums, often from the second month. This is called pregnancy gingivitis. Careful daily brushing and flossing and a professional clean during pregnancy usually keep it under control. Occasionally a small gum swelling appears, which usually shrinks after the birth.

Question 31

Is it safe to have my gums treated while pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cleaning and treatment of gum disease are considered safe during pregnancy, and the second trimester is usually the most comfortable time. Local anaesthetic can be used when needed. Treating inflamed gums is better than leaving them, so tell the dentist how many weeks pregnant you are and any medicines you take.

Question 32

Does diabetes make gum disease worse?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and the link works both ways. Poorly controlled blood sugar makes gum disease more likely and more severe, and untreated gum inflammation can make blood sugar harder to control. People with diabetes benefit from regular gum checks and from treating gum disease early. Tell your dentist your latest HbA1c result and medicines before treatment.

Question 33

My gum is red and bleeding around an implant. Is that gum disease?

Accepted Answer

It can be a similar problem. Inflammation around an implant starts as mucositis, which is reversible with cleaning, and can progress to peri-implantitis, where bone around the implant is lost. Bleeding, swelling, pus or a loose-feeling crown on an implant should be checked soon, and implants need professional cleaning just like natural teeth.

Gums: what people ask about bleeding, receding and gum disease

Smiles made at Creative Arts

Are my gums healthy, or is it gum disease?