Periodontal
Protecting your gums,
early.
Gum disease often progresses quietly, without pain — and can lead to losing several teeth at once. Because it won't improve on its own, early treatment is what protects your smile.
AccreditedAustralian Dental AssociationRACDSICOIAACD
What is periodontitis?
Another name for gum disease — it advances gradually, often with little pain, until several teeth are at risk together.
The main causes are plaque and tartar building up along the gum line. Left unchecked, the inflammation spreads from the gums to the bone that supports your teeth. The good news: caught early, it's very treatable — and largely preventable with the right routine.
How it progresses
Four stages of gum disease.
01
Gingivitis
The earliest stage: inflamed gums that may look red or swollen and bleed when you brush or floss.
02
Early periodontitis
Inflammation reaches deeper, the gums begin to recede and small pockets form, with some early bone loss.
03
Moderate periodontitis
Pockets deepen and more bone is lost — teeth may start to feel loose or shift position.
04
Advanced periodontitis
Significant bone and tissue loss; teeth may become very loose or be lost, sometimes with infection and swelling.
Self-check
Warning signs to watch for
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Swollen or reddened gums, especially in patches
- Gums pulling back, making teeth look longer
- Gaps or pockets forming between teeth and gums
- Loose teeth, or a change in how your bite fits together
- Persistent bad breath that doesn't improve with cleaning
How we treat it
From gentle to more involved
- 1
Examination & brushing guidance
We assess your gums and show you the most effective way to clean at home.
- 2
Scaling
Professional removal of the plaque and tartar that drive the disease.
- 3
Flap surgery & root planing
For deeper pockets, we clean the root surfaces and help the gums reattach.
- 4
Gum surgery
In advanced cases, surgical treatment addresses the affected tissue and bone.
Prevention
Keeping gum disease away.
Brush thoroughly
Brush for at least a few minutes, morning, after meals, evening and before bed.
The 2-2-2 rule
Brush for at least 2 minutes, within 2 minutes of eating, at least twice a day.
Clean between teeth
Use floss and interdental brushes to keep the spaces between teeth and gums clean.
Regular scaling
Keep up routine check-ups and scaling to remove tartar you can't reach at home.
Look after your gums, keep your teeth.
Book a check-up at Hornsby or Eastwood and we'll assess your gum health and tailor a plan — with dentists who speak English, 한국어 and 中文.
Treatment and outcomes depend on the stage of gum disease and your individual circumstances, and are assessed and confirmed at your appointment.