What are the signs of gum disease, and how is it treated?

Gum disease starts as gingivitis, with red, swollen gums that bleed easily, and this early stage is reversible with better cleaning. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which damages the bone and tissue holding the teeth in place and cannot be fully reversed, only controlled. Regular check-ups matter because gum disease is often painless until it is fairly advanced.

In short

• Gum disease is a bacterial infection caused by plaque, affecting the gums and, if it progresses, the bone that holds the teeth in place.
• The early stage, called gingivitis, causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily, and is reversible with better cleaning.
• Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is not reversible, although its progress can be controlled.
• It is usually painless until it is fairly advanced, which is why regular check-ups matter more than waiting for symptoms.
• Treatment generally starts with thorough professional cleaning and better home care, with more involved treatment reserved for advanced cases.

What are the signs to look out for?

Gum disease is often painless in its early stages, so it can go unnoticed unless you know what to look for. Signs include gums that bleed when you brush, floss or eat something firm, gums that look red or swollen or feel tender, gums that seem to be pulling away from the teeth, persistent bad breath or an unusual taste, and teeth that feel loose or seem to fit together differently when you bite down. If bleeding is the main thing you have noticed, Why do my gums bleed when I brush? looks at that sign in more detail. Noticing any of these is a reason to see a dentist rather than wait for your next routine visit.

What are the stages of gum disease?

Gum disease develops in two broad stages. Gingivitis is the early stage, where plaque along the gum line irritates the gum, making it red, swollen and prone to bleeding. At this stage the condition is reversible, generally with a thorough professional clean and better brushing and flossing at home. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the infection spreads below the gum line and begins to damage the bone and tissue that anchor the teeth. This stage is not reversible, though it can be controlled and slowed with treatment and consistent home care.

What causes it?

Gum disease is caused by plaque, a film of bacteria that forms on the teeth every day from ordinary food and drink. If plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which then irritates the gum further and cannot be removed by brushing alone. Smoking and a diet high in sugar both make gum disease more likely and can make it harder to treat.

How is gum disease treated?

Treatment depends on how far it has progressed. For gingivitis, a thorough professional clean, such as a scale and polish carried out by one of the practice’s hygienists, combined with better daily brushing and flossing, is usually enough to stop it developing further. Where the disease is more advanced, a dentist may recommend a deeper clean below the gum line, and in some cases a referral to a periodontist, a specialist in treating gum disease, or surgical treatment. Because periodontitis is not cured outright, ongoing care afterwards, including daily plaque removal and regular check-ups, is what keeps further damage from developing.

How can gum disease be prevented?

Brushing twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, in gentle circular motions rather than a hard back-and-forth scrub, and cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or an interdental brush, are the main ways to keep plaque from building up. Regular dental check-ups let a dentist catch early signs before they progress, and how often these are generally needed is covered in How often should you go to the dentist? Not smoking and limiting sugary food and drink also help.

How do I reach Dr Davies?

Dr Davies assesses and treats gum problems as part of general dental care at BRS Dental on Strand Street, in Cape Town City Centre, working alongside the practice’s two hygienists for professional cleaning. To make an appointment, call her directly on her own mobile, which is shown on this page.