Gum Disease Treatment Campbelltown
Gum Disease (Peridontal Disease)
What is gum disease?
When we eat, the bacteria and food in our mouth produce a sticky substance called plaque. Within 2-3 days the plaque then causes the gums (gingiva) to become inflamed and bleed – this is called gingivitis. It can easily be reversed by brushing and flossing again. It can be very challenging to brush well when undergoing orthodontic treatment.
However, if it isn’t removed, the plaque mixes with the minerals in saliva and will harden into tartar (calculus) that can’t be removed with brushing becoming, gum disease. The tartar collects more plaque and starts to spread below the gum, destroying the bone. This is now called periodontitis, and is much more harmful than gingivitis. It progresses slowly and painlessly. It is an inflammatory response to the presence of calculus. The signs are bleeding, swelling, receding gums, bad breath, and a bad taste in the mouth. In time, if this is still not treated, it will advance to the stage where the teeth will develop gum abscesses, become loose and painful, and may have to be extracted.
Who is at risk of periodontal disease?
If you are a smoker you have a higher risk of periodontal disease than someone that is a non-smoker
If not controlled well, diabetes is a contributing factor of periodontal disease
More likely during pregnancy
Has an association with heart disease
There are various levels of gum disease. What level am I?
At each comprehensive check-up, our dentists will record your gum health and discuss the significance of your level with you.
Level 0 is the healthiest level, no plaque (best)
Level 1 gums bleeding slightly
Plaque that is not removed irritates the gums and can cause them to get red, swollen and bleed when touched. It is called gingivitis. This is easily treated and reversed by careful and regular brushing and flossing at home.
Level 2 calculus (often referred to as tartar) deposits
Over time, minerals from our saliva are mixed with the plaque, which then hardens to become calculus. Typically it builds up around the teeth at gum level, which further irritates the gums. Calculus bonds strongly to the tooth surface and cannot be removed with a toothbrush, so home brushing will not remove this.
Speak With Our Dental Team →Level 3 calculus deposits, areas of bone loss between 4-5 mm
If the calculus is not removed the build-up will increase and work its way down the tooth surface under the gums. When it has reached the bone it is then called periodontal disease. The bone supporting the teeth will react and the bone will now start to resorb (dissolve) and it is likely you will have larger gaps in between your teeth. At this point, our dentists may refer you to a specialist dentist called a Periodontist for comprehensive treatment.Destruction of the bone at this stage is not reversible, but can be stopped!
Speak With Our Dental Team →Level 4 calculus deposits with significant bone loss of more than 6 mm (worst)
The usual symptoms are puffy gums, bad taste and bad breath. At this level, gum disease has caused significant levels of bone to dissolve and your teeth have likely drifted from their correct position. It is likely some of your teeth have become loose and tender and you could be in pain. If still left untreated, so much of the bone will be gone, that the only option is to remove the effected teeth.
How do we treat this disease?
Where the level of disease is limited and mild (1 to 3), the dentists can clean all calculus deposits off your teeth to reduce the bacteria and allow the gums to heal. This is called having a scale and clean. The dentist will then provide you with oral health education so you know how to brush & floss effectively at home to help prevent its return, and advise you on how social & eating habits as well as your overall health may be contributing to your condition.
The dentist may then recommend that you use a chlorhexidine mouthwash, daily for a short period of time. You will likely need to ensure regular appointments are made so the dentist can see if the disease has stopped.
How do I keep this disease away after treatment?
To maintain gum health after treatment when you have level 1 or 2, regular brushing and flossing, regular dental checks and following the dentists advice relating to your social & eating habits and general health, will easily keep the disease away.
To maintain gum health after treatment when you are at level 3, in addition to the above information, our dentists may recommend that you use interproximal brushes as part of your oral hygiene regime due to bone loss. If you have tooth sensitivity due to exposed root surfaces, desensitising dental treatments are available. Please don’t hesitate to let our dentist’s know this is happening to you. The damage done by gum disease often needs special care so further damage is avoided.
What if I don’t have treatment?
Periodontal disease is a slow disease which doesn’t give pain until the advanced stages. By then, the bacteria will have worked well down the root surface, destroying the bone supporting your teeth. Pus will form deep under the gum, & your teeth will become loose & sore. There may be no option but to extract the teeth now. Replacement of teeth can then become more difficult due to the loss of bone.
It is important to realise that gum disease treated in the later stages, causing bone loss, can make it more difficult to replace any lost teeth at a later date. Implants rely on bone depth and stable dentures rely on a good fit over the bone/ridge where teeth were once sitting. Bone loss may mean that implants are not an option and dentures can be ill fitting.
What is Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who specialises in the management of periodontal diseases, which is diseases of the bone and gum that support the teeth, and in placement of dental implants and treatment of the gum and bone around dental implants. Following completion of 5 years at dental school and a period of time in general practice, periodontists complete 3 years of university based specialist training. They are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.
These products can greatly assist in managing this disease after treatment and can be purchased at our practice.
- Plaque disclosing tablets to use at home so you can ensure your brushing technique is effective
- Extra-soft toothbrushes to prevent further damage to the gums during brushing, especially useful if your brushing technique is still a work in progress
- Interproximal brushes of various sizes that help clean the gaps between teeth, created by bone loss
- Various flavoured tooth mousses that create an acid free environment for vulnerable root surfaces
- Very high fluoride toothpaste
- Chlorhexidine mouthwash that reduces the bacteria in the mouth
Things to remember
- Gum disease affects most people at some stage in their life
- One of the common signs of gum disease is bleeding gums
- Careful cleaning can help prevent gum disease
- Getting treatment early can help save teeth that are at risk from gum disease and other conditions
- Brush your teeth/gums twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste
- Floss in-between your teeth each day
- Visit our dentists regularly
- Drink plenty of fluoridated tap water
- Avoid smoking
Do You Have These Signs of Gum Disease?
Bleeding, swollen or receding gums? It may be time to have them checked.
Gum problems do not always cause pain in the early stages. You may notice small changes such as bleeding when brushing, persistent bad breath, swollen or red gums, gum recession or increased tooth sensitivity.
These symptoms should not simply be ignored.
You don’t need to wait until your gums become painful before seeking professional advice.
You may need a gum health assessment if you have:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth
- Teeth that look longer because of gum recession
- Sensitive teeth, particularly around the gumline
- Food regularly getting trapped between your teeth
- Loose or changing teeth
- Discomfort when chewing
- A history of gum disease or regular tartar build-up
Not sure what's causing your gum problems?
Our dental team can assess your gums, identify signs of gum disease and explain what treatment may be appropriate for your individual condition.
Gum Disease Treatment in Campbelltown - Get the right treatment for your gums
The right treatment depends on the condition of your gums and how far the disease has progressed.
At Family Dental Care, your dentist can assess your gum health and recommend a treatment approach based on what they find.
Treatment may include:
Professional Scale & Clean
For early gum problems and plaque or calculus build-up, professional cleaning can help remove deposits that cannot be effectively removed with normal brushing alone.
Gum Health & Oral Hygiene Guidance
Your dentist can show you how to improve your brushing, flossing and interdental cleaning routine to help control plaque and reduce the chance of gum problems returning.
Ongoing Gum Maintenance
Gum health needs ongoing attention. Regular dental examinations and professional cleaning can help monitor your gums and identify changes early
Further Periodontal Care
If your gum disease is more advanced or there are signs of significant periodontal damage, your dentist may recommend further periodontal assessment or referral to a periodontist where appropriate.
Your treatment starts with understanding the problem.
Instead of guessing whether your bleeding or receding gums are serious, book an assessment and get a clear explanation of what is happening and what your options are.
Looking for a dentist for gum disease in Campbelltown?
If you’re searching for a dentist for gum disease in Campbelltown, the first step is a proper assessment.
Gum disease can range from early inflammation and bleeding to more advanced periodontal problems affecting the tissues and bone supporting your teeth.
The good news is that getting professional advice early can help you understand the condition and take action before it progresses further.
Don’t wait for the problem to become painful.
We can help if you're concerned about:
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Gum recession
- Persistent bad breath
- Tartar or calculus build-up
- Sensitive teeth caused by exposed tooth surfaces
- Loose or uncomfortable teeth
- Repeated gum infections
- Previous gum disease
- Difficulty keeping your gums clean at home
Gum Recession Treatment & Assessment
Are your gums receding?
Gum recession can make your teeth appear longer and may expose areas of the tooth that were previously protected by gum tissue.
It can also contribute to tooth sensitivity and make cleaning around the gumline more difficult.
If you have noticed that your gums are receding, don’t try to diagnose the cause yourself.
Your dentist can assess:
- The amount and location of gum recession
- Your gum health
- Plaque and calculus build-up
- Areas that are difficult to clean
- Tooth sensitivity
- Signs of periodontal disease
- Factors that may be contributing to your gum problems
What happens next?
Once your gums have been assessed, your dentist can explain what they have found and recommend the most appropriate next step.
Depending on your condition, this may involve improved home care, professional cleaning, ongoing monitoring or further periodontal assessment.
Why Choose Family Dental Care for Gum Treatment?
When you’re dealing with bleeding, swollen or receding gums, you need more than a quick clean. At Family Dental Care, we take the time to understand your gum health, explain what we find and recommend the right care for your needs.
- Clear explanations — Understand what’s causing your gum problems and what you can do about them.
- Personalised treatment — Your care is tailored to your gum health, dental needs and goals.
- Preventive support — Get practical advice to help protect your gums between appointments.
- Ongoing monitoring — Regular dental visits help identify changes early and maintain your gum health.
- Specialist referral when needed — If further periodontal care is required, we can discuss appropriate referral options.
Ready to take better care of your gums?
Speak with our dental team and find out what your gums need.
Why Treat Gum Disease Early?
One of the frustrating things about gum disease is that it may not cause obvious pain in its earlier stages.
That can make it easy to postpone an appointment.
But bleeding gums, persistent swelling, bad breath, gum recession or loose teeth can be signs that your gums need professional attention.
Early action can help you:
- Understand the condition of your gums
- Remove plaque and calculus professionally
- Improve your daily oral hygiene
- Monitor changes in your gum health
- Reduce the risk of further periodontal problems
- Get appropriate treatment or referral when required
If you’ve noticed a change in your gums, now is a good time to have them assessed.
How much does gum disease treatment cost in Campbelltown?
The cost of gum disease treatment depends on the condition of your gums and the treatment you require.
There is no single treatment or price that is right for every patient.
Your treatment cost may depend on factors such as:
- The amount of plaque and calculus present
- The condition of your gums
- The extent of periodontal problems
- The type of professional cleaning required
- Whether ongoing maintenance is recommended
- Whether further periodontal assessment or specialist care is required
Want to know what your gums need?
The most useful first step is an assessment.
Once your dentist has examined your gums, they can explain the recommended treatment and discuss the associated costs with you.
Gum Disease Treatment in Campbelltown
If you’re looking for gum disease treatment in Campbelltown, Family Dental Care is located at:
Shop 102, 6/8 Dumaresq St
Campbelltown NSW 2560
Australia
Entry via car park.
Have a gum problem you’d like checked?
Call our team on (02) 4625 4897 or request an appointment online.
Whether you’re concerned about bleeding gums, gum recession, bad breath, sensitivity or another change in your oral health, we’re here to help you understand what’s happening and what to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of gum disease?
Bleeding gums, redness, swelling, persistent bad breath and changes around the gumline can be signs of gum disease. If you notice these symptoms regularly, it’s worth having your gums professionally assessed.
Can a dentist treat gum disease?
Yes. Depending on the type and severity of gum disease, a dentist may provide professional cleaning, oral hygiene guidance, monitoring and other appropriate treatment. More advanced periodontal conditions may require specialist assessment.
Is gum recession a sign of gum disease?
Gum recession can occur for different reasons. It may be associated with periodontal disease, but your dentist needs to assess your gums and teeth to determine the likely cause.
Can gum disease be treated without surgery?
Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the condition. Many gum problems can be managed with professional cleaning, improved oral hygiene and ongoing maintenance. Advanced cases may require additional periodontal treatment or specialist referral.
Should I see a periodontist or a general dentist?
A general dentist can assess your gums and determine whether your condition can be managed within the practice or whether a periodontal specialist should be involved.
I have bleeding gums but no pain. Should I still see a dentist?
Yes. Gum disease does not always cause noticeable pain, particularly in earlier stages. Persistent bleeding should be assessed rather than ignored.
How often should I have my gums checked?
Your dentist can recommend an appropriate recall and maintenance schedule based on your individual gum health and risk factors.
Need Dental Help?
If you're in need of dental care, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help and look forward to assisting you as quickly as possible.