If your gums bleed, look swollen or feel sore, you may have gum disease. Sydney Smile Centre in Pagewood diagnoses and treats both gingivitis and periodontitis, often with a thorough professional clean and, where needed, deeper treatment. Call 02 9349 2387 to book an examination.
Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems in Australia, and many people have it without realising. It usually develops slowly and painlessly, which is why bleeding gums are so often ignored. Caught early, gum disease is very manageable. Left untreated, it can lead to receding gums, loose teeth and eventually tooth loss. The good news is that with the right care it can be stopped and, in its early stages, reversed.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It is caused by a build-up of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. When plaque is not removed properly through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist.
There are two main stages:
- Gingivitis: The early, milder stage. The gums become inflamed, red and prone to bleeding, but the bone and deeper tissues are not yet affected. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good home care.
- Periodontitis: The advanced stage. The infection spreads below the gum line and starts to damage the bone and fibres that support your teeth. This stage cannot be fully reversed, but it can be controlled and managed to prevent further damage.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Because gum disease is often painless in its early stages, it pays to know the warning signs. See a dentist if you notice any of the following:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth, making teeth look longer
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted position
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pus around the gum line
Bleeding gums are the symptom most people notice first. Many assume it is normal or caused by brushing too hard, but healthy gums should not bleed during normal cleaning. If yours do, it is worth having them checked.
It is also worth knowing that gum disease has been linked to general health. Research has connected ongoing gum infection with conditions such as heart disease and poorly controlled diabetes. While the link is still being studied, keeping your gums healthy is part of looking after your whole body, not just your teeth.
What Causes Gum Disease?
The direct cause is plaque bacteria, but several factors can make you more likely to develop gum disease or make it worse:
- Inconsistent oral hygiene: Skipping flossing or brushing allows plaque to build up
- Smoking: One of the biggest risk factors, and it can also mask the bleeding that would otherwise alert you
- Diabetes: Poorly controlled blood sugar increases the risk and severity
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy and menopause can make gums more sensitive
- Certain medications: Some can reduce saliva flow or cause gum overgrowth
- Genetics: Some people are simply more prone to it
How Gum Disease Is Treated
Treatment depends on how advanced the condition is. At Sydney Smile Centre, the first step is always a careful examination so your dentist understands exactly what is happening below the gum line.
Professional cleaning (scale and clean)
For gingivitis and early gum problems, a thorough professional clean is often enough. Your dentist or hygienist removes plaque and tartar from above and just below the gum line. Combined with improved home care, this allows the gums to heal and the inflammation to settle.
Deep cleaning (root planing)
When periodontitis has set in and tartar has built up deeper below the gum line, a deeper clean is needed. This treatment, sometimes called root planing, removes bacteria and tartar from the root surfaces and smooths them so the gums can reattach more effectively. It is usually done with local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable, and it may be carried out over more than one visit.
Ongoing maintenance
Once gum disease has been treated, regular maintenance visits are key to keeping it under control. Your dentist will recommend a check-up and cleaning schedule based on your individual needs, often more frequent than the standard six months for the first while.
Dr George Hedges, who has more than 30 years of experience including general and surgical dentistry, and Dr Ana Maria Garcia both treat gum disease at Sydney Smile Centre and can advise on the right approach for your situation.
What Affects the Cost of Gum Disease Treatment?
There is no single price for treating gum disease, because every mouth is different. The cost depends on several factors, including:
- The stage and severity of the disease
- How many teeth and gum areas are involved
- Whether a standard clean is enough or a deeper treatment is required
- How many visits are needed
- Whether any follow-up maintenance care is recommended
The most reliable way to understand your costs is to have an examination. After assessing your gums, your dentist at Sydney Smile Centre will explain what treatment is recommended and give you a clear quote before anything goes ahead. Many people are also able to claim part of the cost through their health fund, and Sydney Smile Centre accepts all major health funds via HICAPS for instant on-the-spot claiming.
Preventing Gum Disease
Good daily habits prevent most gum disease. Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush, clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes every day, and see your dentist regularly so problems are caught early. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your gum health.
Gum Disease Treatment at Sydney Smile Centre Pagewood
Sydney Smile Centre is located at Shop 1, 16 Maroubra Road, Pagewood NSW 2035, with free parking available via Glanfield Street. We care for patients from across the Eastern Suburbs, including Maroubra, Mascot, Botany, Kensington, Kingsford, Randwick, Coogee and Eastgardens. New and emergency patients are always welcome.
We are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. We accept all major health funds via HICAPS, the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule for eligible children, DVA, and offer interest-free payment plans. To book an examination, call 02 9349 2387 or request an appointment at sydneysmilecentre.com.au/request-an-appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bleeding when I brush a sign of gum disease?
Often, yes. Healthy gums do not usually bleed during normal brushing or flossing. Bleeding is commonly an early sign of gingivitis, the mild and reversible stage of gum disease. If your gums bleed regularly, it is worth having them assessed by a dentist so the cause can be identified and treated early.
Can gum disease be reversed?
The early stage, gingivitis, can usually be reversed with a professional clean and good home care. The advanced stage, periodontitis, cannot be fully reversed because it involves damage to the bone and supporting tissues. However, it can be controlled and managed to stop it getting worse and to protect your teeth.
What is a deep clean for gums?
A deep clean, sometimes called root planing, removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the tooth roots so the gums can heal and reattach. It is generally done with local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable and may take more than one visit, depending on how much of the mouth is affected.
Does gum disease treatment hurt?
A standard professional clean is generally well tolerated. For deeper treatment, local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, and your dentist will use techniques to minimise any discomfort. Some tenderness afterwards is normal and usually settles within a few days.
How much does gum disease treatment cost?
The cost varies depending on the severity of the disease, how many areas are involved and how many visits are needed. There is no fixed price. The best way to find out is to have an examination, after which your dentist at Sydney Smile Centre will explain the recommended treatment and provide a clear quote before proceeding.
Will my health fund cover gum treatment?
Many health funds provide a rebate towards gum disease treatment as part of their general or major dental cover, though the amount depends on your level of cover and any limits. Sydney Smile Centre accepts all major health funds via HICAPS, so any eligible rebate is claimed instantly on the spot, and you only pay the difference.
