Gum (Periodontal) Treatment – NHS Wales Update
The new Welsh NHS dental contract focuses on prevention, early intervention, and helping patients maintain long-term oral health.
Who is eligible for NHS periodontal treatment?
You may be offered gum (periodontal) treatment on the NHS if:
- You have clinically diagnosed gum disease (such as bleeding gums, gum recession, or bone loss)
- Treatment is necessary to stabilise and maintain oral health
- You are willing to engage with treatment and improve your oral hygiene
Periodontal care is usually provided as part of a preventive care package, which may include:
- Professional cleaning (plaque and tartar removal)
- Tailored oral hygiene instruction
- Monitoring and review of your gum health
What patients need to do
To qualify for and succeed with NHS periodontal treatment, you will need to:
- Brush effectively twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes
- Address risk factors such as smoking or poorly controlled diabetes
- Attend all scheduled appointments
- Follow personalised advice from your dental team
Patients who are unable or unwilling to maintain adequate oral hygiene may not benefit from treatment.
Important to know
- NHS dental care is provided based on clinical need, not demand
- Treatment is part of a preventive, long-term approach, not a one-off procedure
- Patients are now only entitled to a maximum of two courses of NHS treatment per year
- NHS charges may apply unless you are eligible for exemption
Our aim
Our goal is to:
- Prevent disease
- Treat active disease effectively
- Support you in maintaining a healthy mouth for life
If you are concerned about your gum health, speak to your dentist at your next appointment.
