Gum disease management
Gum disease can affect general health. That’s why we carefully examine the gums at every check-up appointment and offer treatments to prevent and manage gum disease.
What is gum disease, and does it really matter if you have it?
Gingivitis (inflamed gums) is a prevalent and, thankfully, reversible form of gum disease. It most frequently occurs when plaque bacteria are allowed to build up at the gumline. In response, the gums become inflamed and look red and swollen. Inflamed gums bleed easily when touched.
Periodontitis (inflammation of the tissues supporting the teeth) is a more severe condition that affects both the gums and the bone around the teeth. These structures are essential to keeping teeth in position, stable, and healthy.
If periodontitis goes undiagnosed and unmonitored, the patient may:
- experience halitosis (or bad breath)
- have noticeably bleeding, red, and swollen gums
- experience loose teeth, which may affect their ability to chew
- risk losing their teeth altogether.
The patient often feels little or no discomfort until the gum disease is well advanced. Hence, many people are unaware they are living with the condition.
What causes gum disease?
Some people are genetically susceptible to periodontitis, but other factors have a significant role in the disease’s progression and severity.
Our dentists help our patients identify the lifestyle factors putting their gum health at risk, including:
- poor oral hygiene
- smoking and vaping
- diabetes
- poor heart health
- unbalanced diet.
Gum disease is also thought to contribute to the progression of other serious diseases, including heart disease, respiratory disease, some cancers, and Alzheimer’s.
How can gum disease be managed?
Gingivitis usually disappears when:
- plaque and calculus (tartar) are removed from around the gums via professional dental cleaning
- the patient keeps plaque away through thorough daily brushing and flossing
- the dentist makes the teeth and gums easier to clean by providing treatment that eliminates food traps and areas that accumulate plaque.
Periodontitis cannot be cured, but its progress can be slowed to prevent early tooth loss.
Our dentists assess the gum health of every patient at every regular checkup appointment. Assessment may include:
- making a note of the presence of swelling, redness, and bleeding
- measuring the gum height with a periodontal probe
- dental radiographs (x-rays).
Our dentists may recommend various treatments to slow down the progress of gum disease. Treatments may include:
- professional cleaning
- deeper cleaning of the gums under a local anaesthetic
- surgical procedures performed by a periodontist (gum health specialist)
- advanced home-based cleaning techniques.
Important to know
- This page contains general information about gum disease. It cannot replace individualised advice from your dental practitioner. Please consult your dentist for specific recommendations about your oral health and necessary treatments.
Have questions or concerns about your gum health? Make an appointment to speak with one of our dentists.
If it’s time to get your gums checked, please contact our friendly reception team to make an appointment.
Resources about gum disease
Learn more about gum disease
- Gum disease and other diseases (Opens in a new tab) – The website of the American Academy of Periodontology
Videos about keeping gums healthy
Explaining gum disease
A video from the Australian Dental Association. (Playing time: 1 minute, 30 seconds)
Downloadable information sheets about gum disease
Download these helpful information sheets
- Gum disease – a fact sheet by the Australian Dental Association.
