The quiet disease
Gum (periodontal) disease rarely hurts until it's advanced. It starts as gingivitis, red, puffy gums that bleed when brushing, and, unchecked, progresses to periodontitis: the gum detaches from the tooth, the supporting bone erodes, and teeth eventually loosen. It's the leading cause of adult tooth loss, and it's strongly linked with diabetes and cardiovascular health.
The good news
Caught early, gingivitis is completely reversible with professional cleaning and better home care. Even established periodontitis can usually be stabilised with structured treatment:
- Assessment & charting: measuring pocket depths around every tooth to map the disease
- Deep cleaning (root debridement): removing bacterial deposits below the gumline, comfortably anaesthetised where needed
- Home-care coaching: the specific brushing and interdental technique for your mouth
- Maintenance visits: usually every three months while we bring things under control
Blood on the toothbrush, persistent bad breath, gums pulling away from teeth, or teeth that feel slightly loose, any of these deserves an assessment soon.