In the early stage of gum disease, a sticky layer of plaque forms along the gum line. Without proper brushing techniques, bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding.
Using correct brushing methods is essential, which we explain in detail in Brushing Round & Round.
If plaque is not removed, it hardens into calculus (tartar), which requires professional routine teeth scaling and cleaning by a pain free dentist.
Gum Disease
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a serious oral health condition that can affect anyone. At Pain Free Dental Clinic, we regularly help patients understand how gum disease develops and how early treatment can protect both oral and overall health.
Gum disease is closely linked to whole-body wellness, as explained in our article on how gum health affects overall health.
Gingivitis
In the early stage of gum disease, a sticky layer of plaque forms along the gum line. Without proper brushing techniques, bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding.
Using correct brushing methods is essential, which we explain in detail in Brushing Round & Round.
If plaque is not removed, it hardens into calculus (tartar), which requires professional routine teeth scaling and cleaning by a pain free dentist.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis. At this stage, bacteria spread deeper and begin damaging the bone that supports the teeth.
Advanced gum disease may eventually lead to tooth loss, reminding patients why benefits of maintaining a regular dental checkup are so important.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum Disease Symptoms include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Tenderness in the gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Presence of blood when brushing or flossing
- Pain when chewing hard food
- Loose or sensitive teeth
- Receding gums.
- Teeth appearing longer than normal.
Risks
- Bad oral health habits, like poor or infrequent brushing and flossing, can make a person more vulnerable to the disease.
- Poor oral hygiene is definitely the main cause of Periodontal disease and smoking is one of the important contributing factors.
- Type 2 diabetes patients are three times more likely to suffer from gum disease than healthy people. Diabetes affects the glucose level (blood sugar) making it hard to treat diabetic patients with the disease.
- Hormonal fluctuations in puberty or menopause can make gums more sensitive and susceptible to gum disease.
- Drugs and medications that reduce saliva flow can leave the mouth vulnerable to gum infections. Some drugs also cause abnormal growth of gum tissue which can make it difficult for teeth and gums to be cleaned.
- Autoimmune diseases like AIDS/HIV weakens the integrity of the gum and can result in gum disease.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
- Adopt an effective oral hygiene management that includes brushing your teeth, employing proper brushing techniques, at least twice a day. Regular flossing is also important.
- Schedule regular visits (six-monthly) to your dentist for check-ups.
- Stop smoking.
Treatment
- Scaling and root planing to get rid of tartar build-up and rough spots on the root of the tooth.
- Medications that can be used together with scaling and root planing.
- Surgery when the disease is serious and has progressed too far to be treated with normal deep cleaning and medication.
- An active maintenance dental program.
Local, Gentle Dental Care
We proudly serve patients from Moss Vale, Mittagong, and Bowral with gentle, patient-focused care.
If you’re concerned about the symptoms of gum disease, contact us to book an appointment with our experienced team or explore flexible options via our payment plan.
