Early Signs of Gum Disease To Be Aware Of

Gum disease is a degenerative condition that affects the soft gum tissue and the bone that supports teeth. If left unaddressed, the symptoms of gum disease can worsen quickly - causing pain, swelling, and in severe cases, the risk of losing teeth. 

Fortunately, gum disease can be addressed with early identification and treatment. If you are experiencing increased discomfort in the gums during brushing or eating, you should keep a look out for the early signs of gum disease to prevent it from progressing into something more sinister. 

How Common is Gum Disease in Australia?

Gum disease is fairly common among Australians - studies from Healthdirect estimate that 30% of adults suffer from moderate to severe gum disease. A 2024 national oral health and dental care report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare also found that 22% of children aged 5-14 years old had early stage gum disease. 

The report also showed that the proportion of adults with severe gum disease increased with age, from 12% in 15-34 year olds to 69% in those aged 75 years and over.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by the build up of bacteria on the teeth, which forms plaque. When plaque is not removed from teeth brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar that sticks to the surface of teeth. The bacteria in plaque and tartar produce toxins that irritate and cause inflammation in the gums, leading to gum disease. 

Unhealthy habits like smoking and consuming lots of sugar can also increase the risk of gum disease. 

Stages and Early Signs of Gum Disease

There are two main stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis 

Gingivitis occurs during the early stage when unhealthy bacteria in plaque and tartar irritate the gums. Early signs of gingivitis can include:

• Inflamed gums

• Minor bleeding in the gums when brushing or flossing

• Bad breath (halitosis)

• Sensitive gums that are painful or uncomfortable to the touch 

Without professional treatment and good oral hygiene, gum disease can develop into the more severe stage of periodontitis. 

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease where the inflammation spreads into the supporting tissue and bone structure of the mouth. Symptoms of periodontitis can include: 

• Receding gums, where the gums pull away from the teeth and expose more of the tooth surface

• Sensitive teeth due to the exposure of teeth roots

• Bright red gum colouring

• Intense swelling in the gums

• Pain in the gums when chewing or speaking

• Loose teeth due to lack of support from receding gums

Practicing good oral hygiene will not be enough to address the symptoms of periodontitis. At this stage of gum disease, specialist treatment may be required to remove built up plaque and tartar that are causing the inflammation. 

How is Gum Disease Treated?

Gum disease treatment is largely dependent on the severity of gum disease. Your dentist will first assess the condition of your gums to provide a diagnosis for gum disease. 

For early stage gum disease (gingivitis), dentists use teeth scaling and root planing to clean out plaque and tartar from the surface of teeth and under gums. This removes built up bacteria and stops gum disease from progressing further. After the treatment, you’ll be provided with tips and advice for practicing good oral health to prevent future plaque build up.

For cases of periodontal disease, dentists will carry out scaling and root planing if possible. If the gum disease has progressed to an advanced stage where there is bone loss or missing teeth, the dentist may provide a specialist referral for treatment and management. 

When Should You Seek Gum Disease Treatment?

It’s important to seek gum disease treatment as soon as you identify any early signs of gum disease. In the early stage of gingivitis, gum disease can be cured without any permanent loss  to gum health. However, gum tissue that recedes due to periodontitis is permanent - lost gum tissue will not grow back, which can affect the appearance of your smile. 

Bluff Point Dental helps provide effective gum disease treatment in Geraldton to manage the condition and prevent further loss of gum tissue. Our gum disease treatment team will assess the state of your gums and provide a treatment plan that puts a stop to inflammation and pain.