Dr Nick White of White Dental Co. shows a patient an x-ray during a dental checkup

Treatment of Gum Disease Hervey Bay

A healthy, beautiful smile needs healthy teeth and healthy gums. Yet gum disease is one of the most prevalent dental diseases. At White Dental Co, we like to protect our patients’ smiles by taking a preventative approach to gum health.

To understand gum disease, it’s helpful first to know about healthy gums.

What do healthy gums look like?

Healthy gums

  • are a healthy colour. Depending on the person’s ethnic background, they may be pale pink or have a darker hue
  • fit snuggly around the teeth. The natural, narrow pockets between healthy gums and teeth are usually less than 3mm deep.
  • have a firm texture
  • don’t bleed, even when floss is used.

Below the gums, each tooth is held in place by

  • a socket of bone that tightly hugs the tooth’s roots
  • and fibrous tissue called the periodontal (“around the tooth”) ligament. This ligament
    • provides cushioning for the tooth
    • prevents bacteria in the mouth from infecting the jawbone.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. There are two primary forms:

  • gingivitis
  • periodontitis.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the most common type of gum disease. It is caused by plaque bacteria and tartar accumulating around the teeth. This buildup is usually a direct result of inadequate or irregular brushing and flossing.

Affected gums become red and puffy and bleed easily. 

How is gingivitis treated?

Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible. Treatment involves

  • a thorough professional cleaning of the teeth to remove plaque and tartar
  • a thorough twice-daily brushing
  • daily use of floss or interdental brushes.

Periodontitis

The more severe form of gum disease is periodontitis. Periodontitis is caused by

  • poor dental hygiene, which leads to the buildup of plaque and tartar
  • harmful habits like smoking
  • health conditions, including diabetes
  • a genetic predisposition for the disease.

Periodontitis affects

  • the gums
  • the bone and
  • the periodontal ligament.

Affected teeth can become increasingly loose. If left untreated, periodontitis can cause tooth loss.

How is periodontitis treated?

Dental treatment can usually prevent further damage to the gum and bony socket. Ongoing treatment at the dentist may involve

  • regular, thorough professional cleaning of the teeth to remove plaque and tartar
  • deeper cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from pockets below the gums
  • surgical treatment
  • referral to a specialist periodontist
  • removal of critically loose teeth
  • replacement of lost teeth.

At home, the patient will need to

  • brush their teeth thoroughly at least twice daily
  • use floss or interdental brushes every day
  • use additional at-home cleaning techniques as recommended by their dentist.

How do you know you have gum disease?

In the early stages, gum disease isn’t painful, and signs are often dismissed or ignored. 

Signs of gum disease include

  • red, swollen gums
  • bleeding gums, usually noticed when brushing or flossing
  • receding gums
  • halitosis (bad breath)
  • food traps
  • loose teeth
  • (in the later stages) discomfort and pain.

If you notice any of these signs, make an urgent appointment with your dentist. They will

  • examine your teeth and gums
  • take necessary x-rays
  • make a diagnosis
  • recommend necessary treatment.
A dental chair in one of White Dental Co.'s treatment rooms. The chair and surrounding equipment are modern, and the decor is calming and reassuring.
A smile from a young patient and dental assistant, Kelly, at the beginning of an appointment.

Healthy gums, happy teeth

Our dentist, Dr Nick White, is committed to helping Hervey Bay locals prevent gum disease. He measures the gums at every checkup with a periodontal probe and keeps detailed records of each patient’s gum health. In this way, signs of gum disease are more likely to be discovered in the early and more easily treated stages.

Dr Nick also helps patients of all ages become enthusiastic and competent flossers. After all, an individual’s daily efforts at home can make all the difference in preventing gum disease.

If treatment is needed, Dr Nick will provide thorough, professional cleanings and ongoing care. Cases that require specialist or surgical management may be referred to a periodontist.

Dr Nick’s recommendations for gum and oral health

To keep gum disease at bay, Dr Nick recommends

  • thorough at-home tooth cleaning
  • that you check your gums for early signs of gingivitis
  • avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking
  • that you never ignore bleeding gums! Healthy gums don’t bleed.
  • visiting your dentist for regular dental checkup appointments.

Learn more about gum disease from these Australian Dental Association resources

Visit the website of the Australian Dental Association for more information about gum disease and its treatment.

How to make an appointment to check your gum health

The White Dental Co. reception team are friendly, helpful, and ready to respond if you want an appointment to check your gum health.

Making an appointment at White Dental Co. is easy!

Call us (07) 4313 1777 during business hours or book online.

Or drop by to make a time at Suite 10 Madsen Medical, 17 Hershel Court, Hervey Bay 4655