There are two main forms: gingivitis and periodontal disease—which describes swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth.

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, which become red and swollen, and often bleed when brushed. Without treatment, gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease, which can lead to loss of the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw, making them loose. If this is not treated the teeth may fall out.

Most people suffer from some form of gum disease. It is the major cause of tooth-loss in adults. However, it develops very slowly, and can be slowed down to a rate that will enable you to keep most of your teeth for life.

Gum disease is caused by plaque, a film of bacteria that forms on the surface of the teeth and gums every day. While many of the bacteria in plaque are harmless, some are the main cause of gum disease, so you need to make sure to remove all plaque from your teeth every day, by brushing and flossing.

Gum disease progresses painlessly, so you often do not notice the damage it is doing. However, more active bacteria can makes your gums sore, leading to gum abscesses, and, possibly a discharge of pus from around the teeth. Over a number of years, the bone supporting the teeth can be lost, and treatment becomes more difficult if the disease is left untreated for a long time.

The prescribing dentist will refer you to the practice hygienist for a number of appointments for deep cleaning and oral hygiene instruction. Follow-up appointments are required to monitor and contain disease activity. If you wish to consider tooth-whitening after cleaning is completed, speak to our hygienist who can provide this treatment.

Once your teeth are clean, further cleaning may be required at the roots of the teeth to ensure the last pockets of bacteria are removed. This will probably require the treatment areas of treatment to be numbed prior to treatment.

There are various measure that you can take to prevent gum disease as follows:

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene. Make sure you’re using an antibacterial mouthwash and are brushing twice a day, preferably with an electric toothbrush. Ensure that you are using the correct brushing technique and also remember to floss regularly.
2. Stay Healthy. Healthy people are less unlikely to contract gingivitis, so ensure you have a balanced, nutritious diet to prevent gum disease. Ensure that you get the recommended hours of sleep per night (7-9 hours for adults) as it is also strongly linked with gingivitis prevention.
3. Ditch bad habits like smoking and eating sugary or acidic foods as these will weaken your gums. This would include alcohol and fruit juice.
4. Stay Alert on the Signs. If you generally have red, swollen gums or are noticing blood whenever you brush your teeth or floss, you may have gum disease. You must visit your dentist as soon as you notice these symptoms.

Read more on ways to prevent gum disease here.

Periodontal disease is reversible with the correct professional and home treatment and maintenance. Secondary factors, such as diabetes and smoking, will limit resolution.