Periodontal Care (Gum Disease) in Canning Vale
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile and a healthy body too.
If you've ever noticed puffy, red or bleeding gums, you could be in the early stages of periodontal (gum) disease. It's one of the most common and most under-treated dental issues we see at our Canning Vale, Thornlie and Southern River patients bring to us.
The good news: caught early, gum disease is very manageable. Left untreated, it's a different story.
What is gum disease?
Periodontal disease affects the gums and bone that support your teeth. It starts as gingivitis — inflamed, bleeding gums caused by plaque buildup — which is easily reversed with good home care and a professional clean.
Left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. At this stage, plaque has calcified into hardened tartar below the gumline, where it can't be brushed or flossed away. Bacteria trapped there causes chronic infection, gum detachment and, eventually, bone and tooth loss.
What is a periodontist?
Periodontics is a specialist type of dentistry. It looks specifically at the gums and even the jawbone in relation to how these structures support the teeth.
One of the most common problems that periodontics deals with is gingivitis and gum disease, which occur in the gums, they are quite common but can be very damaging for your teeth if left untreated.
However, periodontics also deals with:
- Placing dental implants
- Scaling and tooth root cleaning (root debridement)
- Gum lifts and other cosmetic gum surgeries
- Bone and gum grafting
- Crown lengthening
- Periodontal surgery
As our gums help to nurture and support our teeth, they’re very important for our overall dental health. So when you look after your gums, you’re really looking after your teeth and helping to maintain a bright, healthy smile.
What is the link between gum health and your overall health?
Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, and gum health is a genuine reflection of your general health — not just your smile. When gum infections take hold, bacteria can travel through your bloodstream and settle elsewhere in the body, including the cardiovascular system, placing extra strain on your immune response.
Active gum disease has been linked to a number of other health conditions, including:
- Stroke, high blood pressure and heart attack
- Respiratory disease
- Diabetes
- Infertility
- Premature birth and preeclampsia
Treating gum disease doesn't just protect your smile — it can support your body's broader immune response too.
What are the advantages of receiving periodontics?
Periodontal treatment is a must for anyone with issues with their gums. Here are the key benefits.
- Avoid further issues: Periodontal treatment such as cleaning and scaling can help to keep gingivitis at bay, which can prevent the condition from worsening into periodontitis (which is a lifetime condition once you have it).
- Protect your teeth by caring for your gums: Healthy gums support healthy teeth, meaning that caring for this support system is a great way to keep your teeth in good shape.
- Treat periodontitis: Periodontitis can be a serious condition that leads to the loss of teeth. With treatment, you can manage this condition and prevent losing teeth or damaging the bone.
How do we treat gum disease?
Most of our patients keep gum disease at bay with a routine scale and clean every six months. But if it's been a while between visits, or there are signs of tartar buildup, gum detachment or bone loss, a more thorough clean is needed.
Our dentists and hygienists carry out deep cleaning - scaling and root planing to remove hardened plaque and bacteria from below the gumline, giving your gums the chance to reattach and heal. This, combined with good home care, is usually enough to halt periodontitis and protect your teeth from further damage — all without leaving our Canning Vale practice.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. We'll always talk you through your options before proceeding.
What to expect at your appointment at Ranford Road Dental Centre?
Brush and floss before you arrive
We'll ask about any symptoms — swollen, red or bleeding gums, bad breath, sensitivity
A thorough oral exam, checking for plaque and any gum pockets
X-rays if we need to check bone health below the gumline
A treatment plan tailored to what we find, including changes you can make at home
Frequently asked questions
Gum disease starts as gingivitis, usually from inadequate brushing/flossing and a diet high in sugary food and drink.
Left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis. Gingivitis can be reversed with good home care and a professional clean - periodontitis can't be reversed, but it can be managed and its progress stopped.
There's no cure once periodontal disease has set in, but with regular cleans and good home care, we can manage the symptoms and stop it getting worse.
The best treatment for gum infection is good oral hygiene at home, including brushing and flossing, and avoiding a diet high in sugary foods and drinks.
It is also important to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning and further treatment options if needed.
A Periodontist is a specialist kind of dentist who focuses solely on the periodontal area of the mouth - the gums and jawbone beneath the gums. They perform a variety of treatments, from simple procedures such as removing plaque from teeth to implanting false teeth and doing gum grafts.
Their job is to ensure your gums are healthy and well enough to support your teeth and, therefore, your oral health overall.