Gum Disease: Treatments and Cures

Gum disease refers to an inflammation of the gum line that can advance to affect the bone surrounding the teeth. Gum disease appears in three stages.

• Gingivitis: inflammation of the gums, with some bleeding when brushing and flossing, or swelling and redness.
• Periodontitis: the supporting bone and the fibres that support the teeth become irreversibly damaged.
• Advanced periodontitis: the most advanced stage, where bone and fibre damage can make teeth loosen, shift and eventually be lost.

Because gum disease is progressive, at United Smiles in Mernda we focus on treating it early, then preventing its return with care at home and in our office.

Home treatments for gum disease

None of these replace visiting your dentist, but they may help keep your gums healthy alongside professional care: a diluted hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse, aloe vera juice or gel on the gums, a garlic and turmeric toothpaste, drinking green tea, and a warm saltwater rinse.

Ways to prevent gum disease

• Floss daily, brush twice a day
• Use a therapeutic mouthwash
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Do not smoke
• Get regular checkups and cleanings

Treating gum disease

Gingivitis is the only stage of periodontal disease that is reversible. For gingivitis, we remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, irrigate infected areas, and give patients a detailed home care plan, usually reviewing again around four weeks later.

Mild periodontitis is usually treated with scaling and root planing, which cleans tartar from above and below the gum line and the root surface; an antibiotic may also be prescribed. For moderate periodontitis, an antibiotic may be placed directly into the gum pocket, or laser therapy used to remove the unhealthy part of the gum. Severe periodontitis often requires surgery, and some very loose teeth may need to be extracted and replaced with a denture, bridge or implant.

For new patients

No gap on dental checkup and clean for Medibank Private, HCF and CBHS.