Common Signs You Have a
Gum Disease

Regular brushing, flossing, and professional teeth cleanings can help avoid gingivitis, but it can still occur even with proper dental care. Common signs of early gum disease (or gingivitis) may include the following:
On the other hand, severe gum disease or periodontal disease may produce signs or symptoms, and these include:

Why Choose
Ashburton Dental Centre for Gum Disease Treatment?

At Ashburton Dental Centre, our dentists are experts in gum disease treatment. We can assess your needs and give you the best advice for a healthy mouth.
Your general health and safety are important to us. Thus, our clinic uses high-tech equipment for all types of procedures, including gum disease treatment. We also offer affordable dental treatment. Our goal is to provide quality dental care to patients without exceeding the budget.

Gum Specialist

A gum specialist, also known as a periodontist, is a dental professional specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of gum diseases and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontists undergo extensive training beyond general dentistry, focusing specifically on the gums, bones, and tissues that support the teeth.

These specialists are skilled in treating various gum-related issues such as gingivitis, periodontitis, gum recession, gum infections, and other conditions that affect the health and stability of the gums. They perform procedures such as scaling and root planing, gum grafts, pocket reduction surgery, placement of dental implants, and other surgical interventions aimed at restoring and maintaining optimal gum health.

Visiting a periodontist is recommended for individuals with advanced gum disease, persistent gum problems, or those requiring specialized care and treatments beyond what a general dentist provides. Periodontists work collaboratively with other dental professionals to ensure comprehensive oral health care.

Dr Kav BHinder

FAQ's about Gum Disease Treatment in Gosnells

Gum disease is typically caused by a buildup of plaque on teeth and along the gum line. Plaque is a bacteria-containing sticky film. With an inflammatory response, the immune system attempts to eliminate plaque. The redness and swelling of the gums around the tooth indicate this.

Other factors can also contribute to the risk of periodontal disease. These may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Hormonal changes. Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and monthly menstruation, make gums more sensitive, making gingivitis more likely to develop.
  • Dry mouth. If the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce adequate saliva to keep the mouth moist, the result is a dry mouth. This problem is usually a result of aging. Medications, radiation therapy, and mouth breathing can all cause dry mouth, which increases the chance of gum disease.
  • Certain health conditions. Illnesses can affect the health of your gums. This includes conditions that interfere with the immune system, such as cancer or HIV. Diabetes patients are more likely to have infections, such as periodontal disease and cavities, since the disease impairs the body’s ability to use blood sugar.
  • Certain medications. Medications can have an adverse effect on oral health because some may reduce the flow of saliva, which protects the teeth and gums.
  • Lifestyle. Smoking, for example, makes it more difficult for gum tissue to heal itself.
  • Poor oral hygiene practices. Improper or infrequent use of healthy oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing can increase the risk of gingivitis and other oral problems.
  • Genetics. If you have a family history of dental disease, it may contribute to your chances of getting gum disease.

In its early stages, gingivitis is treatable. The sooner your dentist detects gingivitis, the less likely periodontal disease or tooth loss will develop.

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease (PD), a severe gum disease caused by untreated gingivitis and long-term plaque buildup. It only affects the gum’s surface layers, particularly where the gum touches the tooth. There is no damage to the deeper layers of the gums, teeth, or bone at this point.

Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease that can develop if gingivitis is not addressed.

Periodontitis affects the covering of the tooth root (cementum), the bone, and the fibres that attach the tooth root to the bone (periodontal ligament).

As a result of gum disease, the gums can become irritated, causing spaces between the tooth root and the gums. These spaces are known as ‘periodontal pockets.’ Bacteria become trapped in these pockets, causing more harm to the periodontium. Bone loss may occur over time, and wider gaps may grow between the teeth and the gums.

Periodontitis can cause permanent damage. It is only treatable and cannot be cured. Gingivitis, on the other hand, can be prevented by practising good dental hygiene and seeing the dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.

Maintaining an oral hygiene routine prevents the risk of gum disease. A few tips to avoid them may include the following, but are not limited to:

  • Proper oral care includes brushing your teeth and gently cleaning the gum line twice a day – in the morning and before bed.
  • To clean in between teeth, use floss, interdental brushes, or another dental tool recommended by a dentist.
  • Plaque forms easily on dentures, increasing the risk of gum disease surrounding natural teeth. Learn more about how to care for your dentures and your mouth.
  • Regular checkups can help prevent many oral problems. Professional cleaning should be done regularly, usually every six to twelve months, by a dentist. If you have risk factors for periodontitis, including dry mouth, taking certain medications, or smoking, you may require cleaning more frequently.

Gingivitis may be present if your gums are abnormally large, black, inflamed, or bleed easily when brushing or flossing. It is critical to visit your dentist for dental cleanings every six months so the dentist can detect the signs of the disease early.

If you start to experience any signs of gum disease, set up an appointment with a dentist immediately. The sooner you seek treatment, the higher your chances of reversing periodontitis damage or further complications.

Gingivitis, if left untreated, will proceed to periodontitis, a more severe stage of gum disease. The infection and pockets worsen as they eat away at your jaw, causing your teeth to become loose and fall out. Gum disease causes the gums to separate from the teeth and jaw bone, forming periodontal pockets. This can cause an abnormal bite as well as pain during chewing or biting.

Controlling your infection is the goal of the treatment. To determine where to begin, the dental professional will examine what’s affected.

Some of the common treatments of gum disease are deep cleanings, medication or oral antibiotics.

  • Cleaning

Deep cleaning is not like ordinary cleaning. It goes below the gum line, and the dentist will also use special dental instruments.

Scaling involves removing hardened plaque and tartar from both above and below your gum line. They may also perform a procedure known as root planing. That is performed to clean the rough surfaces of the teeth’s roots. It aids in the reattachment of your gums to your teeth.

  • Medication

There is no particular medicine to treat gum disease. But dental professionals may recommend oral antibiotics and antibiotic gels to help control the infection, alleviate inflammation, and relieve pain.

  • Antiseptic mouthrinse

To help reduce bacteria, you can swish an antiseptic mouthwash as part of your regular brushing routine. It is available by prescription as well as over-the-counter.

  • Soft tissue grafts

This procedure strengthens weak gums or fills gaps where gums have receded. Grafted tissue, usually taken from the roof of the mouth, is sewn into place, adding tissue to the damaged area.

Book An Appointment With Our Gosnells Dental Team Today

We're located in the Ashburton Village Shopping Centre next to the Ashburton Primary School. If you have questions about getting the dental care you need, call or book online today!

(08) 9490-8777 Or   Book Online