Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is inflammation of the gums, teeth and supporting jawbone caused by a build-up of plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) along the gumline. As this build-up accumulates, the gum tissue can become red, puffy, tender and prone to bleeding.

Common signs to watch for include:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Redness, swelling or tenderness in the gum tissue
• Gaps forming between teeth
• Teeth that feel increasingly loose

Gum disease often develops with few, if any, obvious warning signs, which is why routine check-ups matter so much. The Australian Dental Association and other major health authorities recommend a dental visit every six months so any early changes can be spotted and managed before they progress. While there is currently no outright cure for gum disease, ongoing professional care and good home habits can keep it stable and stop it from getting worse.

Gum health is also tied to your wider wellbeing. Studies have linked gum disease to heart disease, as the bacteria responsible for gum infections can enter the bloodstream through inflamed tissue and contribute to fatty deposits and clotting in blood vessels. There is a similar two-way relationship with diabetes, where the body’s altered inflammatory and healing response can make gum disease more likely, particularly when blood sugar levels are not well controlled. Persistent bad breath can be another sign of gum disease too, alongside other causes such as a dry mouth from dehydration or certain medications, or untreated tooth decay. If dry mouth is a concern for you, our team can talk you through options such as saliva-substitute products at your next hygiene visit.