Illustration of a wolf head logo with a navy blue background and white outlines.

Gum disease

Prevention is the best medicine ⚕️

Two medical professionals, a man and a woman, are performing a procedure on a patient in a clinic or hospital. They are wearing masks and gloves, with the man using an endoscope and the woman assisting, focused on the patient who is lying down.
A dentist explains a patient's dental X-ray displayed on a monitor in a dental office.
A man is undergoing a dental or medical imaging procedure with a technician in a clinical setting, using a large scanning device.
Two men look at a computer screen displaying a digital 3D image of teeth and gums in a dental or medical office.
Dental professionals performing a dental procedure on a patient in a dental clinic, with dental tools, a monitor displaying a dental scan, and medical supplies in the background.
A healthcare professional wearing a surgical mask, gloves, and glasses administers a nasal swab test to a male patient seated in a medical facility.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a condition that damages the tissues supporting teeth. It causes gradual bone loss around teeth and can make it become loose or fall out if not treated.

The main reason for periodontitis is too much plaque/bacteria on teeth, which forces the gums to pull back. It's like your body's defense system losing a fight against bacteria and retreating from a losing battle.

What's the difference between gum disease and gum inflammation?

Gum disease (periodontitis) -> you gradually lose bone around your teeth, making it become loose.

Gum inflammation (gingivitis) -> No loss of bone around your teeth

They show similar signs and symptoms such as:

  • Swollen gums

  • Bright red or purple gums

  • Gums that are tender or painful to the touch

  • Bleeding gums or bleeding after brushing and/or flossing

  • Bad breath (halitosis)

Diagram showing healthy gum tissue and inflamed gum tissue around a tooth with tartar buildup, bone loss, and a periodontal probe beside the gums.

How do I know if I have gum disease or gum inflammation?

To find out, your dentist needs to check using a special ruler to measure your gums. Most gum issues show no symptoms until they are in an advanced stage.

The good news is that it is entirely preventable. We do this by measuring your gum every 6 months for your regular checkup and cleaning (part of scaling and cleaning).

Close-up of a dental air or water syringe with a stream of water or air coming out against a plain white background.
Diagram of healthy versus diseased tooth showing gum tissue, periodontal ligament, and bone. The healthy side shows 3mm gum tissue, while the diseased side shows 5mm inflammation, bone loss, plaque, biofilm, and calculus.

How do you treat gum disease?

To fully treat gum disease:

  1. Get professional cleaning (deep cleaning)

  2. Maintain good oral hygiene at home.

  3. Get regular preventive cleanings and check ups.

Professional cleaning involves at least two visits with numbing of gums for thorough cleaning. With a follow-up in 2 weeks to check progress. Then, regular 3-6 monthly cleanings without numbing to prevent gum disease recurrence.

A set of eight dental scaler tools in pink, red, gray, purple, blue, red, orange, and green, each with textured handles and curved metal tips.

How can I prevent it?

Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist

  • If you’re able to control the bacteria in your mouth you’ll control the amount of disease that you get. Regular twice a day brushing, flossing and some use of mouthwash helps.

  • 6 monthly check-up with a dentist. We are able to spot things early and treat it early if it happens.