Gum disease is one of the most common oral problems in our mature population. Gum disease is infection of the gums caused by plaque and tartar build-up around our natural teeth.

Gingivitis: It is a condition of infection of the gums surrounding the natural teeth. It is an easily treatable stage of gum disease and it can be recognised by light bleeding especially when brushing of teeth , mild redness and swelling of the gums. It can usually be reversed with thorough in-office dental cleaning/s, which removes the plaque and tartar build-up along the gum line of the natural teeth and by practicing good oral hygiene at home by proper brushing and flossing of natural teeth.

These condition is easily treated and reversed if the condition is detected and treated in it’s early stages, therefore it is important to have your teeth checked and cleaned and polished at least once every 6 months.

Periodontitis: It is a more advanced stage of gum disease with loss of supporting bone of natural teeth. This condition may occur if gingivitis is left untreated. In this case, more inflammation of the surrounding gums is caused by more build-up of plaque, tartar and bacteria, reaching even below the gum margin to the supporting bone. Symptoms also include more bleeding and painful swelling of gums, receeding gum lines, bad breath, bad taste and often loosening of natural teeth.

It is highly recommended to get regular dental check up and cleanings, to prevent your dental and gum condition from reaching this painful and unwanted state.

If left untreated, this condition is also known to be linked to some serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or strokes, etc.

Often the treatment of Periodontitis will included gum surgery.

There are several types of gum surgery e.g.

1: Gum Pocket reduction surgery.

2: Root coverage gum surgery to cover root surfaces of teeth due to receding gums.

3: Gum surgery to facilitate deep cleaning.

4: Aesthetic contouring gum surgery to level the gum levels of teeth.