Trusted Independent Brisbane Dentists in Chermside

Treating Gum Disease, Gingivitis & Bleeding Gums in Chermside, Brisbane

Did you know gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is the leading cause of tooth loss, with 75% of all tooth loss linked to gum disease? At Today’s Dentistry, our Oral Health Therapists have extensive experience helping patients to prevent, identify and treat gum disease.

Keep your teeth and gums healthy:
Call (07) 3263 2677
Gum disease treatment in Brisbane

How to Prevent and Manage Gum Disease in Brisbane

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What is Gum Disease?

The clinical name for gum disease is periodontal disease, and basically it’s an inflammation of the gums that leads to permanent, irreversible damage if it’s left untreated. Patients know that dental plaque builds up on their teeth because they can see it. However what many people don’t know is that plaque also builds up in the ‘pockets’ hidden below your gum line, between your teeth and gums.

This hidden plaque can only be removed with professional dental care. When it’s left to build up, bacteria grows and starts to cause inflammation. This early stage of inflammation is called gingivitis, and it is reversible if you receive professional dental care. However, if left untreated, the bacteria start to eat away at the ligaments that connect your teeth and gums. Once these ligaments are broken, they can never be repaired.

That’s why gum disease often leads to gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, with 75% of all tooth loss linked to gum disease.

What Gum Disease Looks Like

Some patients have signs and symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums or loose teeth. However, it’s important to understand that gum disease can also be a silent disease. Some patients appear to have healthy pink gums from the outside, but with thorough professional assessment discover that there is hidden damage.

Gum Disease Periodontal Illustration
Get a thorough gum disease assessment at Today’s Dentistry:
Call (07) 3263 2677

What Happens if You Don't Treat Gum Disease?

Untreated gum disease can lead to:

Chronic bad breath
Gum recession
Bleeding gums
Tooth sensitivity
Loose or shifting teeth
Tooth loss

Gum disease has also been associated with an increased risk of:

Heart disease and heart attack
High blood pressure
Stroke
Diabetes
Infertility and pre-eclampsia
Erectile dysfunction and other health issues

What To Expect At Your Gum Disease Assessment?

At Today’s Dentistry, our Oral Health Therapists assess the ‘depth’ of the pockets between your teeth and gums to identify signs of gum disease, and if gum disease is present, to diagnose how far it has progressed.

We also use state-of-the-art technology that allows us to show you what we’re seeing, so you are empowered throughout your journey and able to make informed decisions about your treatment. Every gum disease treatment plan is customised to the patient’s unique situation.

We're dedicated to helping you protect and preserve your smile. Our caring and professional team will work closely with you to ensure a comfortable and positive experience. Don't let gum disease compromise your oral health – contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Call (07) 3263 2677

Frequently Asked Questions 
About Gum Disease

General Info

What are the signs or symptoms of gum disease?

Signs and symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, receding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and changes in your bite or the fit of your dentures.

However, gum disease can also be a silent disease. Some patients have no symptoms, even though hidden damage is happening below their gum line.

Differences between gum disease and gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, characterised by inflammation and bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and damage to the supporting bone.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is primarily caused by plaque buildup on teeth, which contains harmful bacteria. Other factors that can contribute to gum disease include poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, certain medications, and medical conditions such as diabetes.

Is gum disease curable?

Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be reversed with proper oral hygiene and professional dental care. However, periodontitis, the advanced stage, is not curable but can be managed with ongoing treatment to prevent further damage. Even though gum disease is not curable, the good news is we can stop the disease process worsening and stabilise the disease with an individualised oral health management plan, regular maintenance appointments and personalised oral hygiene care at home.

How to prevent gum disease?

Having regular Active Maintenance Visits at Today’s Dentistry is the best way to prevent gum disease! Preventing gum disease also involves maintaining good oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing, as well as avoiding tobacco products and maintaining a balanced diet. Keep in mind that gum disease is caused when a build-up of bacteria gets trapped in the ‘pockets’ below your gum line, and this build-up can only be removed by a professional.

Is gum disease common?

Yes, gum disease is common. It is estimated that a significant percentage of adults have some form of gum disease, with gingivitis being the most prevalent.

Is gum disease genetic?

There may be a genetic component to gum disease, making some individuals more susceptible. However, lifestyle choices and oral hygiene habits also play a significant role in gum health.

What are gum disease pockets?

Gum disease pockets, or periodontal pockets, are spaces that form between the teeth and gums when gum tissue pulls away due to inflammation. These pockets can trap bacteria and plaque, exacerbating gum disease.

Can young people get gum disease?

Yes, young people can develop gum disease, although it is more common in adults and as we get older. Early intervention and maintaining good oral hygiene habits can help prevent the progression of gum disease in young people.

Is there a link between gum disease and general health?

Yes, the bacteria that breeds when you have gum disease is ‘washed’ into the rest of your body and enters your bloodstream. That’s why gum disease is associated with a higher risk of general health issues including stroke, heart disease, alzheimer's disease and more. The healthier your mouth is, the healthier you body will be. Too many patients think regular dental care is just a luxury ‘clean teeth feeling’. But in reality it’s a critical part of your general healthcare.

Treatment

How is gum disease treated?

Gum disease treatment depends on the severity. Early-stage gingivitis can be treated with regular professional dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene. Advanced periodontitis may require deep cleaning, or surgical interventions.

Depending on your unique needs, we may refer to a periodontist for treatment. Ultimately, we create a personalised treatment plan for each patient. There is usually an intensive initial phase to treatment which requires multiple appointments in a short period of time, and then moving onto a 3-4 monthly Active Maintenance schedule to stabilise the disease.

Can you see gum disease on x-ray?

Dental X-rays can reveal bone loss and other signs of advanced gum disease, helping dentists diagnose and develop a treatment plan.

Can antibiotics treat gum disease?

We generally do not prescribe antibiotics to treat gum disease. However in some specific situations antibiotics may be recommended

What is a gum disease deep cleaning?

A gum disease deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a non-surgical treatment that involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smoothing the tooth roots to help gums reattach to the teeth.

Can you treat gum disease while pregnant?

Yes, gum disease can be treated during pregnancy. In fact, it is important to maintain good oral health during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can increase the risk of developing gum disease. Dental professionals can provide safe and appropriate care for pregnant women, including scaling and root planing if necessary.

Issues / Challenges

Is gum disease painful?

Surprisingly, gum disease is usually NOT painful. In fact, a lot of people don’t know they have it. It’s only when gum disease is very advanced that patients start to feel pain, usually due to their teeth shifting around or wobbling. Symptoms such as swollen, tender, or bleeding gums, and tooth sensitivity can cause discomfort. However, it is often a silent disease with no signs or symptoms at all!

What other issues does gum disease cause?

If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, damage to the supporting bone, and increased risk of other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

Is gum disease contagious?

Gum disease itself is not contagious, but the bacteria that cause gum disease can be spread through close contact, such as sharing food, toothbrushes, utensils, or kissing.

Can you get gum disease from smoking?

Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease, as it impairs blood flow to the gums, making them more susceptible to infection and less able to heal.

Does gum disease cause bad breath?

Yes, gum disease can cause persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, due to the buildup of bacteria and plaque in the mouth.

Are gum disease and tooth decay linked?

Gum disease and tooth decay are both caused by plaque buildup on teeth. While they are distinct conditions, they share common risk factors and can often occur together. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent both gum disease and tooth decay.

What Our Patients Are Saying

"When you’re prepared to drive more than 2000km to visit the dentist

it says everything you need to know about the service from the incredible team at Today’s Dentistry!"
Ross McHutcheon

"After 30 years of being terrified and avoiding dentists I have finally found "the one".

I could not recommend this place more. From the staff to the facilities, I have absolutely nothing to fault. My phobia is
gone and I will go nowhere else."
Lauren West

"The interior of the dentist feels more like a 5 star hotel spa and provides a very comfortable,

almost luxurious experience.
I highly recommend this dentist, especially if you suffer with anxiety or a fear of dentistry."

Adele Rooney

Get A Custom Dental Roadmap

Dental roadmap in Brisbane

Your first visit at Today’s Dentistry is all about creating a Dental Roadmap so you know exactly what condition your teeth and gums are in, and what your options are for treatment.

Your first appointment includes:

An Intraoral Scan displayed on our chair-side TV so you see what we’re seeing.
A review of your Dental Roadmap, including interest-free payment plan options.
Diagnostic X-Rays to spot any hidden issues.

Our Ratings

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Today's Dentistry Location Best in Chermside, Brisbane

Today's Dentistry
Is Located At

91 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside

Opening Hours:

Mon - Thu 8.30am - 8pm

Fri 8.30am - 2pm

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