You have been diagnosed with periodontal disease (‘gum disease’), which affects the structures providing support for your teeth. This is to be treated by ‘full mouth disinfection’. This information will explain to you what the treatment involves and will try to answer some of the more frequently asked questions. Any further queries can be answered by your dentist or hygienist.

Initially, there will be a thorough examination of the condition of your mouth. This will involve taking measurements around each tooth, to determine the severity of the disease. The dentist or hygienist will then discuss with you the amount of plaque in your mouth. As plaque contains bacteria that cause periodontal disease a lot of emphasis is placed on teaching you the tooth brushing skills to remove it efficiently. You will be shown how to use a range of products and techniques that will help you to remove plaque daily. This appointment will take approximately 45 – 60 minutes.

The following two appointments (sometimes only one is necessary) will be when the initial treatment is carried out. These appointments must be as close to
each other as possible, ideally within 24 hours.

• They will take around 90 minutes each (depending on the number of teeth you have).
• Half the mouth is treated at each visit and this is normally carried out under local anaesthetic.
• All deposits of soft plaque and hard calculus are removed from the teeth using dental instruments.
• The gums are then ‘flushed’ a few times with an antibacterial mouthrinse (chlorhexidine).
• You will also be given a bottle of mouthrinse to use twice daily (for 30 seconds each time) for one month at home.
• Please note that the ingredients of toothpaste can interfere with the action of the mouth rinse and therefore we recommend brushing your teeth using the techniques you have been shown approximately 30 minutes before you use the mouth rinse.

The success of treatment relies on excellent oral hygiene. It is therefore important that every one or two weeks we review your tooth brushing technique
to make sure you are cleaning your teeth as well as possible. We will also polish your teeth to make sure your teeth and gums are as clean as they
possibly can be during this important healing phase. There may be about three of these appointments, which will be 15 – 30 minutes long.
10 – 12 weeks following treatment the measurements are re-recorded around each tooth. This enables the clinician to assess the amount of healing that has taken place. If necessary, any reformed calculus and plaque will also be removed.


Maintenance Phase
You will be seen every 1-2 months to check how things are until, finally, 6–9 months later another assessment is made of the gums and the information is reviewed by the consultant. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact the Periodontology department on 0191 233 6161.

Full Mouth Disinfection - Appointment Schedule