Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems in adults, and one of the most overlooked. It often starts quietly, with gums that bleed a little when you brush, and it can progress for years without much pain. The good news is that early gum disease is usually reversible, and later stages can be managed to protect your teeth.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is inflammation and infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It’s caused by the bacteria in plaque, the sticky film that forms on teeth every day. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, and the bacteria trigger an inflammatory response in the gums.
The stages of gum disease
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage. The gums become red, swollen and tender, and they may bleed when you brush or floss. There’s no permanent damage to bone at this stage, and gingivitis can usually be reversed with a professional clean and good home care.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis. The gums start to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria collect. Over time, the bone and ligaments holding the teeth in place are destroyed. Teeth can become loose, shift position and eventually be lost. Bone lost to periodontitis doesn’t usually grow back, so the aim of treatment is to stop further damage.
Signs to look out for
- gums that bleed when you brush, floss or eat
- red, swollen or tender gums
- persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- gums that have receded, making teeth look longer
- sensitivity near the gum line
- loose teeth or teeth that have moved, leaving new gaps
- pus between the teeth and gums
- a change in how your teeth fit together when you bite
Many people with periodontitis have few symptoms, which is why regular check-ups, where your dentist measures your gum pockets, are important.
Risk factors
- Smoking and vaping: smoking is one of the strongest risk factors, and it can mask bleeding, hiding the problem.
- Diabetes: poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk and severity of gum disease, and gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control.
- Pregnancy: hormonal changes can make gums more prone to inflammation.
- Genetics: some people are more susceptible.
- Stress, poor diet and some medications, including those that cause a dry mouth.
- Crowded teeth or old restorations that are hard to clean around.
Gum disease and general health
Research has found links between gum disease and other conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. Researchers are still working out the nature of these links, but keeping your gums healthy is a sensible part of looking after your overall health.
How gum disease is treated
Professional clean
For gingivitis, a thorough scale and clean to remove plaque and tartar, along with better brushing and cleaning between the teeth, is often enough. See teeth cleaning.
Deep cleaning
For periodontitis, your dentist may recommend deep cleaning of the root surfaces below the gum line (often called root planing or periodontal debridement). This is usually done under local anaesthetic and may take several visits. At Parramatta Dentistry, periodontal cleaning is $280 per quadrant (a quarter of the mouth). Conditions apply. The gums are then re-checked after several weeks to see how they’ve responded.
Ongoing maintenance
People who’ve had periodontitis usually need more frequent cleans, often every three or four months, to keep the disease under control.
Specialist care
Advanced or aggressive cases may be referred to a periodontist, a specialist in gum disease, for further treatment, which can include gum surgery.
Preventing gum disease
- Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush, angling the bristles towards the gum line.
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes.
- Don’t smoke or vape.
- Manage conditions such as diabetes with your doctor.
- See your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans.
Bleeding gums aren’t normal
It’s common to think bleeding gums just mean you’re brushing too hard. Usually, they mean the gums are inflamed. If your gums bleed regularly, book a check-up so your dentist can work out why.
Read more about preventive dentistry in Parramatta.
Frequently asked questions
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis can usually be reversed with professional cleaning and good home care. Periodontitis can’t be reversed, as lost bone generally doesn’t grow back, but it can usually be controlled with treatment and regular maintenance.
Is gum disease contagious?
The bacteria involved can be shared through saliva, but whether someone develops gum disease depends on many factors, including their oral hygiene, genetics, smoking and general health.
Does mouthwash help gum disease?
Some antibacterial mouthwashes can help reduce plaque bacteria as part of a treatment plan, but mouthwash doesn’t remove tartar or replace brushing, cleaning between teeth and professional treatment.
Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
Bleeding when you start flossing usually means the gums are inflamed. If you floss gently every day, bleeding often improves within one to two weeks. If it doesn’t, see your dentist.
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. Advanced periodontitis is a common cause of tooth loss in adults, as the bone and tissues holding teeth in place are gradually destroyed.
Book at Parramatta Dentistry
Parramatta Dentistry is at Suite 25, Level 3, 27 Hunter Street, Parramatta, a short walk from Parramatta Station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and HICAPS is on site, so you can claim from your health fund on the day and pay only the gap, if there is one. Call (02) 8090 1109 or book online.
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personalised advice from your dentist. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.