Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue and is usually caused by poor dental hygiene.

There are two stages of gum disease including gingivitis and periodontitis.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease that is non-destructive and easy to treat by maintaining good oral health.

It should be treated in this early stage, as the later stage known as periodontitis is severe and can lead to tooth loss.

Signs of gingivitis:

  • Puffy gums
  • Sore gums
  • Inflamed gums
  • Bleeding while brushing and flossing

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease that is severe and can cause serious dental damage.

It occurs when pockets form below the gumline known as periodontal pockets that are caused when bacteria eat through soft tissue exposing areas below the gumline. This leads to bacteria becoming trapped below the gum line causing inflammation and infection.

The infection causes a serious gum infection damaging and destroying the soft tissue, supporting bone structure and roots of teeth.

Symptoms of gum disease

  • Swollen and puffy gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Tenderness
  • Bad breath
  • Bad taste
  • Loose teeth
  • Tooth loss
  • Pus between teeth and gums
  • Painful chewing
  • Tooth movements
  • New gaps between teeth
  • Receding gum lines

How to treat gum disease

The early stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis can be treated by maintaining good dental health by brushing your teeth twice, flossing and rinsing your mouth out regularly.

However, the advanced form of gum disease, known as periodontitis requires dental treatment. The dental treatment may include scaling and cleaning, root planing, flap surgery, bone and tissue grafts or medications. However, the recommended treatment depends on the severity of the gum disease.

In both cases, whether it’s gingivitis or periodontitis, it’s best to seek dental advice from your dentist.

What causes gum disease?

There are multiple ways a person can develop gum disease, including:

  • Poor diet
  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Alcohol, smoking and illicit drug use
  • Ageing
  • Family history
  • Changes in hormones
  • Certain diseases increase risk

Contact Zen Dental Studio

For more information regarding gum disease and treatments, please contact our friendly team with any questions or book in for an appointment by clicking here.