
Could your gums be quietly jeopardising your health? Gum disease might be one of today’s most overlooked yet significant oral health concerns. But don’t let that fool you—this condition can have severe consequences if left untreated. We can’t reiterate enough the importance of early detection, which allows us to provide expert treatment to prevent long-term damage caused by gum disease. As an industry leader in dental care, we provide comprehensive gum disease diagnosis and treatments, ensuring your oral health is in the best possible hands.
But what exactly is gum disease? In short, it refers to infections that affect the gums and the structures supporting your teeth. It begins with gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, and if untreated, can advance to periodontitis, a more severe form that can lead to tooth and bone loss. Knowing the signs, causes, and available treatments can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy smile.
Causes and Risk Factors of Gum Disease
Plaque Buildup and Bacterial Infections
The primary culprit behind gum disease is plaque—a sticky, colourless film of bacteria that builds up on teeth. When plaque isn’t regularly removed, it hardens into tartar, which requires professional cleaning. Bacteria in plaque can cause irritation and infection in the gums, leading to gum disease.
Genetic Predisposition
Did you know some people, including children and adolescents, are genetically more susceptible to gum disease? If it runs in your family, you may be at a higher risk, even if you practice good oral hygiene. Our specialists can help you navigate these risks and create a tailored plan to maintain your gum health.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking is more than just a threat to your lungs—it’s one of the most dangerous habits for your gums. Tobacco use accelerates gum disease, leading to faster progression of infections, increased gum recession, and even tooth loss. Smokers are twice as likely to suffer from severe gum disease, as the toxins in tobacco weaken your gums’ ability to heal and fight off infections.
The damage doesn’t stop there—smoking can mask the symptoms of gum disease, making it harder to spot until it’s too late. Quitting smoking tobacco boosts your overall health and is vital for saving your gums, teeth, and smile.
Poor Oral Hygiene Practices
It’s simple—if you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque will build up and increase your risk of gum disease. Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine and regular visits to our practice are essential in preventing gum disease. Skipping just one day of flossing allows harmful bacteria to settle, causing inflammation you might not notice until it’s too late. Over time, this buildup can harden into tartar, which only a dental professional can remove, making regular cleanings an absolute must for healthy gums.
Underlying Health Conditions
Health conditions like diabetes can increase your risk of gum disease. Diabetic patients are more prone to infections and more challenging to heal from gum infections. High blood sugar levels can weaken the gums’ natural defence, allowing bacteria to thrive and inflammation to worsen. Our dental experts work closely with patients with underlying conditions to ensure they receive the most effective, personalised care.
Stages of Gum Disease: From Gingivitis to Severe Periodontitis
Gum disease progresses in stages, and recognising the early signs can save you from more serious complications.
Initial Stage: Gingivitis
The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is characterised by red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing. The good news? Gingivitis is reversible with professional care and good oral hygiene.
Advanced Stage: Periodontitis
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the gums begin pulling away from the teeth, creating infected pockets. The body’s immune response to the infection can break down the bone and tissue that support your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss if not addressed.
Severe Periodontitis: Impact on Bone and Teeth
Severe periodontitis can cause serious damage, including tooth loss and jawbone deterioration. At Greenvale Dental Group, we have advanced tools and treatments to help prevent and manage even the most severe cases of gum disease.
How is Gum Disease Diagnosed?
Methods Used by Dentists to Diagnose Gum Disease
Our dental specialists utilise advanced diagnostic tools to detect gum disease at an early stage. We thoroughly assess your gums for symptoms such as inflammation, recession, and bleeding, frequently employing periodontal probing to measure the depth of pockets around your teeth.
The Role of X-Rays and Periodontal Probing
X-rays are vital in uncovering advanced gum disease, revealing hidden bone loss that the naked eye can’t see. Combined with regular dental check-ups and periodontal probing, these tools allow us to watch your gum health closely, identifying potential problems long before they escalate into serious issues.
Preventing Gum Disease: Best Practices
Effective Oral Hygiene Practices
The foundation of gum disease prevention lies in your daily habits. Brushing twice a day and flossing once daily are essential for keeping plaque and tartar at bay. Greenvale Dental Group recommends using fluoride toothpaste and an antimicrobial mouthwash for added protection.
Regular Dental Visits
Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are critical for maintaining healthy gums. Our expert team at Greenvale Dental Group will work with you to develop a tailored prevention plan based on your unique needs, ensuring that gum disease never has a chance to take root.
Diet and Its Impact on Gum Health
A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals also plays a role in preventing gum disease. Avoid sugary snacks, which promote plaque buildup, and instead opt for nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, fruits, and lean proteins that support gum health.
Treatments for Gum Disease: Surgical and Non-Surgical Options
Non-Surgical Treatments: Scaling and Root Planing
For patients with gum disease, we offer non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing. This deep-cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar below the gumline, preventing further damage. Scaling removes hardened deposits from tooth surfaces and beneath the gums, while root planing smooths the tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to reattach and cause infection.
Sometimes, a local anaesthetic is used to ensure patient comfort during the procedure, and follow-up maintenance treatments may be recommended to keep gum disease under control and prevent recurrence.
Surgical Treatments: Flap Surgery, Bone Grafts, and Tissue Regeneration
In advanced cases, surgical options such as flap surgery, bone grafts, and tissue regeneration might be necessary. These treatments help rebuild the bone and gum tissue that may have been lost due to severe periodontitis. Flap surgery involves lifting the gums to access deep tartar deposits and infected areas, allowing for thorough cleaning and reattachment of the gum tissue.
Bone grafts, which use synthetic material or bone from another body part, promote regrowth in areas where bone has been destroyed. At the same time, tissue regeneration encourages the body to rebuild lost gum tissue, helping restore both function and aesthetics. These procedures can dramatically improve the prognosis for patients suffering from advanced gum disease.
Antibiotics and Other Medications
Sometimes, antibiotics help fight the bacterial infection causing gum disease. These can be administered orally or directly into the periodontal pockets to target bacteria more effectively. In more advanced cases, dentists may prescribe a localised antibiotic gel or chip placed in deep gum pockets to provide sustained bacterial control over time.
Additionally, antiseptic mouth rinses or special medicated toothpaste can be recommended to reduce bacterial activity and inflammation, supporting the healing process alongside professional treatments.
What Happens If Gum Disease Is Left Untreated?
Tooth Loss and Its Impact on Overall Health
Gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults, as untreated infections gradually destroy the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and jawbone. When gum tissue recedes, and the bone weakens, teeth can become loose, eventually leading to tooth loss or the need for extraction. This can cause significant difficulties with eating and speaking, as missing teeth affect your ability to chew and communicate clearly. Beyond the functional challenges, tooth loss can also significantly impact self-esteem and confidence, particularly when front teeth are involved.
However, the consequences of tooth loss extend beyond appearance. Once a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone begins to shrink, altering facial structure over time and contributing to a prematurely aged look. Additionally, untreated gum disease can increase the risk of decay in the remaining teeth, further complicating oral health.
Connection Between Gum Disease and Systemic Conditions
The effects of gum disease are not limited to the mouth. Research has demonstrated a clear link between gum disease and systemic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. The bacteria associated with periodontitis can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to inflammation of the arteries, which has been linked to cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes.
Gum disease can make blood sugar levels more difficult to control for individuals with diabetes, creating a harmful cycle where poor gum health worsens diabetes and vice versa. Similarly, people with respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may be more susceptible to infections caused by oral bacteria.
At Greenvale Dental Group, we understand the broader health risks associated with gum disease. Our team is dedicated to helping our patients manage their oral and overall health. Our comprehensive gum disease treatments and preventive care aim to reduce the risk of these serious health conditions, promoting better health and well-being.
If you think you may have gum disease, please make a booking as soon as possible. If you require immediate information, read our list of FAQs. Alternatively, you can contact us or call (03) 9333 6854.

Dr Soraya is the principal dentist and owner of Greenvale Dental Group with over 25 years’ experience in the field of dentistry.
Soraya’s areas of treatment include general dentistry, dental emergencies, dental implants, endodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and crown and bridge dentures.
You can find more about Dr. Soraya Eakins through her LinkedIn, or you can book an appointment with her through HotDoc.