Understanding Gum Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments at Dream Smiles

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues—yet many people don’t realise they have it until serious damage has already occurred. At Dream Smiles, we believe that education is the first step toward achieving a healthier smile. By understanding what gum disease is, how it progresses, and how we treat it, you can take the right steps to protect your teeth and gums for life.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease begins with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth daily. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, which cannot be removed at home. Professional dental cleaning is required to eliminate tartar.

As plaque and tartar accumulate, bacteria start to irritate and infect the gums. This leads to inflammation, which is the beginning stage of gum disease.

The Two Stages of Gum Disease

1. Gingivitis

This is the early stage of gum disease. Symptoms include:

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing

Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible. With a professional scale and clean at Dream Smiles, along with consistent oral hygiene at home, you can stop gingivitis in its tracks and restore your gum health.

2. Periodontitis

If gingivitis goes untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease. At this stage:

• The gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets of infection
• Your immune system and bacterial toxins start to break down bone and gum tissue
• The damage is not reversible, but it can be managed with ongoing treatment

Common Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease may not cause pain in its early stages, which makes it easy to ignore. Look out for these warning signs:

• Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Receding gums or longer-looking teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Sensitive teeth
• Pain while chewing
• Loose or shifting teeth

If you notice any of these symptoms, book an appointment with our team at Dream Smiles right away.

How We Treat Gum Disease at Dream Smiles

Treatment depends on how far the gum disease has progressed. Our recommended options include:

• Scale and Clean: Removes plaque and tartar from both above and below the gum line.
• Root Planing: Smooths the tooth roots to help prevent bacteria from accumulating again.
• Laser Treatment: In certain cases, we use advanced laser therapy to clean deep gum pockets with minimal discomfort, swelling, or bleeding.
• Ongoing Maintenance: For patients with periodontitis, regular periodontal maintenance appointments are essential to keep the condition under control and prevent further damage.

Why Early Detection Matters

The sooner gum disease is identified, the easier it is to treat. Routine dental check-ups allow us to detect early signs of gum disease before significant damage occurs.

Gum disease is not just a dental issue—it’s also been linked to systemic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. By taking care of your gums, you’re also looking after your overall health.

Book Your Gum Health Appointment Today

Have you noticed bleeding gums, discomfort, or loose teeth? Or has it simply been a while since your last clean? Don’t wait. Book a consultation with Dream Smiles and let our experienced dental team help you maintain a healthy, confident smile.

Frequently Asked Questions