Periodontics (treating gum disease)

Some signs of periodontal (gum) disease are:

• continuous bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
• gums that bleed easily, especially when brushed or flossed or after eating
• gums that are red and swollen
• your teeth are starting to feel loose
• spaces are starting to appear between your teeth
• your gums are receding (shrinking back) so your teeth look longer

If it's allowed to progress, gum disease can cause the loss of the supporting jaw bone around your teeth, and some or all of your teeth may be lost. Chronic gum disease is also associated with general health problems such as cardiovascular disease.

Treatment of gum disease involves removing the main causes:

• Plaque: a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth and gums. It contains millions of bacteria. Plaque is what causes the most damage to the gums and bone.
• Calculus: hardened plaque, also called “scale” or “tartar”. This hardened deposit can't be brushed off or flossed off. Special dental instruments are required to remove it.

In very severe or difficult cases, you may need to be referred to a gum specialist, a periodontist, to carry out your gum disease treatment.

In the short term, treating gum disease makes your mouth look, feel and smell better. Treatment will also greatly reduce gum bleeding (or even stop the bleeding entirely). Longer term, treating gum disease increases your chances of keeping your teeth for life.