Gum Disease Treatment at The Smile Factory

Name: The Smile Factory
Address: 122 Belford Street, Broadmeadow, NSW, 2292, AU
Telephone: (02) 4037 0903
Price range: $$

Healthy gums provide an important foundation for your smile. When plaque and bacteria build up around the gumline, however, the gums can become inflamed and gum disease may develop.

Gum disease is common and doesn’t always cause noticeable discomfort. You may notice bleeding when brushing or flossing, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, or gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth.

At The Smile Factory, we assess your gum health and recommend care based on what we find. Identifying changes early allows us to discuss appropriate ways to manage your gums and maintain your oral health.

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Two Main Types of Gum Disease

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. It occurs when plaque builds up around the teeth and irritates the surrounding gum tissue. Common signs include gums that appear red or swollen or bleed when you brush or floss. At this stage, the deeper structures that hold the teeth in place have not been affected.

Professional dental cleaning, along with regular brushing and cleaning between your teeth at home, can play an important role in managing gingivitis.

Periodontitis

If gum disease progresses, it can develop into periodontitis. This more advanced form of gum disease affects the tissues and bone that help hold your teeth in place.

Spaces known as periodontal pockets can form between the teeth and gums, allowing bacteria and plaque to collect below the gumline. Over time, some people may experience gum recession, changes in tooth position or loose teeth.

The extent of periodontitis varies between individuals, so a dental assessment is needed to determine what care may be appropriate.

Patient getting treatment from dentist

Signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease can develop gradually, and some people have few noticeable symptoms. Signs to look out for include:

Bleeding when brushing or flossing
Red, swollen or tender gums
Persistent bad breath
Receding gums
An unpleasant taste in your mouth
Loose or shifting teeth

Bleeding gums can have different causes, but regular bleeding is worth discussing with your dentist. An examination can help determine what may be contributing to the changes you’ve noticed.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Plaque build-up is a major contributor to gum disease. Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria that continually forms on your teeth. If it isn’t removed effectively, it can harden into calculus, or tartar, which generally requires professional dental cleaning to remove.

Other factors can also influence gum health, including smoking, certain medications, hormonal changes, genetics and some medical conditions.

Your dentist can assess your gums and discuss any factors that may be relevant to your individual circumstances.

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

The care recommended will depend on the condition of your gums and how far the disease has progressed.

For early gum inflammation, professional cleaning may be recommended to remove plaque and calculus from around the teeth and gumline. We can also provide advice on brushing, flossing and cleaning between your teeth to help you maintain your gums at home.

If gum disease has progressed below the gumline, more involved periodontal cleaning may be required to remove deposits from these areas.

Following your initial care, regular dental examinations and professional cleans may be recommended to monitor your gums. Your dentist will advise how frequently you should return based on your individual gum health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my gums bleed when I brush?

Bleeding can be a sign of gum inflammation, particularly when plaque has accumulated around the gumline. However, there can be other causes. If your gums regularly bleed when brushing or flossing, a dental assessment can help identify what may be contributing to it.

Does gum disease always hurt?

No. Gum disease can develop without significant pain, particularly in its earlier stages. Bleeding, swelling, gum recession or persistent bad breath may be noticeable before discomfort occurs. Regular dental checkups can also help identify changes you may not notice yourself.

Can gum disease affect my teeth?

Advanced gum disease can affect the tissues and bone that help hold your teeth in place. As it progresses, this may lead to gum recession, changes in tooth position or tooth mobility.

Can I manage gum disease by brushing more?

Good brushing and interdental cleaning are important, but hardened calculus generally cannot be removed with a toothbrush alone. Professional cleaning may be recommended to remove deposits around or below the gumline, alongside an appropriate home care routine.

How often should I have my gums checked?

There is no single schedule that suits everyone. How often you should attend will depend on your gum health, oral hygiene and individual circumstances. If you have a history of periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent reviews and professional cleans.

Take Care of Your Gums

Bleeding, swollen or receding gums are worth having checked, even if they aren’t causing discomfort. The team at The Smile Factory can assess your gum health, explain what we find and discuss the care that may be appropriate for you.

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