Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the gums and bone supporting the teeth. It is one of the most wide-spread diseases in the world.

If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and a poorer quality of life. Fortunately, gum disease is also preventable, and treatable if discovered early enough.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by bacteria found in the sticky dental plaque which accumulates along the gum line. If plaque is not removed by correct toothbrushing and cleaning between the teeth, the gums start to separate from the teeth, forming gum pockets. Over time, the supporting bone around the teeth is destroyed. Finally, teeth start to loosen and fall out.

Plaque and tartar along the gum line

Who can get gum disease?

Mild forms of gum disease are relatively common.

 
 
However, certain factors may increase your risk of developing more severe gum disease:

• Smoking
  
• Diabetes (especially if poorly controlled)
• Stress
  
• Certain illnesses and medications which affect the body’s immune system
  

What are the common signs and symptoms of gum disease? 

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing your teeth
  
• Red, swollen or receding gums where the roots of your teeth can be seen
  
• Shaky or loose teeth
• Teeth appearing to drift apart from their original positions
• Persistent bad breath
  

An upper front tooth that has drifted from its original positionThe appearance of diseased gums contrasts with how healthy gums should look in someone who has no history of gum disease – tissues around the teeth are pink, firm and not bleeding.

This photograph illustrates what stable gums should look like in someone who has been treated for gum disease – gums around the teeth are pink and firm with minimal bleeding but with spaces between the teeth due to the loss of bone from the disease process.
 

 

What is the treatment for gum disease?

First, a probe is used to assess the gum condition around the teeth. This may be slightly uncomfortable, especially where the gums are more inflamed.

X-rays will then be taken of the teeth to assess the supporting bone. With this information, the dentist can determine the severity of the disease. 

Milder forms of gum disease can be treated by a general dental practitioner or oral health therapist, while more severe forms of gum disease are referred to a Periodontist (gum specialist) for management. The main goal of treatment is to reduce the amount of bacteria around your teeth and prevent the gum disease from getting worse.

You will be taught how to clean more effectively around your teeth and gums. Your dentist will perform a professional deep cleaning around the teeth, usually under local anaesthesia. This removes the bacterial deposits below the gum line. Teeth with more severe gum disease that do not respond to deep cleaning may require gum surgery to improve their condition. 

Once your gum condition has stabilised, you will be discharged back to your general dental practitioner for periodic dental check-ups, monitoring of disease recurrence, and maintenance. The long-term stability of your gum condition is dependent on your overall general health, good oral hygiene habits, and regular professional dental check-ups. A lapse in any of these factors may cause disease recurrence.