What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a progression of gingivitis — inflammation of the gums. Poor oral hygiene allows plaque and bacteria to build up between your teeth and gums, leading to infection that can damage the soft tissue and, if untreated, the bone supporting your teeth.
Do I Have Gum Disease?
If your gums bleed easily, feel swollen or tender, your gum line is receding, or your teeth feel loose, you may be experiencing gum disease. Left untreated, it can cause serious damage to your teeth and supporting structures.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Spontaneous gum bleeding
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Tooth sensitivity or soreness
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus around the gums
- Pain when biting or chewing
Gum Disease Treatment Process
- 1 Comprehensive Periodontal Assessment
Your dentist examines the health of your gums, measures the depth of pockets around your teeth, and uses X-rays to check for any bone loss. This helps identify the stage and severity of gum disease.
- 2 Scaling and Root Planing
If gum disease is detected, a deep cleaning is performed under local anaesthetic. Plaque and tartar are removed from below the gum line, and the tooth roots are smoothed to help the gums reattach to the teeth.
- 3 Review and Reassessment
After treatment, your dentist checks how your gums have healed and re-measures pocket depths. Additional treatment may be recommended if needed to ensure optimal results.
- 4 Ongoing Maintenance
Regular periodontal maintenance — typically every 3–4 months — helps manage gum disease and prevent it from returning. Your dentist will create a personalised schedule based on your needs.
