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Gum disease and gingivitis – Park Ridge Dental

The symptoms of gingivitis and gum disease include:

• Gum inflammation and swelling
• Bleeding gums and red gums
• Painful or sensitive gums
• Infected and pussy gums
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath

What is the difference between gum disease and gingivitis?

Essentially gingivitis and gum disease are on the same spectrum of gum problems, but gum disease is more progressed than gingivitis.

Gingivitis is purely gums being inflamed from having plaque or tartar or food accumulating near the gum. Gum disease is when the presence of gingivitis begins to cause bone loss around the teeth. The bone around the tooth is the support for each tooth so when this is affected it can lead to the loss of teeth.

Unfortunately, these problems are often cyclical ie, if you have gum recession you are more likely to get food caught in spots that leads to more bacteria and gum disease.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Are some people more prone to gum disease and gingivitis than others?

Whether you get bone loss or not is determined by factors that are in your control and not. Whilst your genetics and diabetes can play a part in your susceptibility of bone loss, how you clean and manage the bacteria in your mouth with your home care routine, whether you smoke and how often you visit your dentist will affect your situation and your rate of healing.

OK, so if I have gum disease what do I need to do?

The treatment of gum disease is individually recommended and tailored to each patient. Once diagnosed we will discuss your home practices, your professional dental cleaning schedule and this will be monitored closely so that it can be adjusted depending on your healing progression.

The bacteria associated with gum disease is also linked to heart disease so it is important to seek treatment, particularly if you suffer from a heart condition.

My gums bleed when I brush? Do I need to see the dentist?

Your gums should not bleed when you brush so this indicates that you might have plaque, gingivitis or gum disease. Once you have lost gum or bone you don’t get them back so the best way to avoid this is through good home care routines and maintaining your 6-monthly dental check-up and clean. If you suspect that you have some issues with your gums be sure to mention this at your next appointment.

We aim to give you a high standard of dentistry at an affordable cost and aim to give you no-gap dental. Call us on 3297 0153 to book your appointment or book your appointment online. If you are unsure you can chat to us online or get a quote for your situation.