Gum disease or periodontal disease is a slow progressing condition that affects gums and the bones that support the teeth.

It is a completely preventable condition, but if left untreated and unmanaged, it can lead to pain, infection and ultimately tooth loss. It has also been associated with other conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Our dentists at Lamb Street Medical and Dental have been trained to diagnose and manage gum disease, so you can keep your natural teeth healthier for longer.

What causes gum disease?
There are a number of factors that contribute to the progression of gum disease. The primary cause is the build of plaque and bacteria on the gums.

Other factors include: 
- Genetics: Some people are unfortunately more prone to inflammation of the gums and bone loss
- Smoking: Smoking weakens the immune system of the mouth directly, causing more inflammation and bone loss
- Diabetes: Diabetes can also directly increase the levels of inflammation, worsening the effect of gum disease
- Pregnancy: Changes in hormones during pregnancy can exaggerate the effects of plaque and bacteria on the gums, worsening the levels of inflammation and gum disease

Signs of gum disease
There are several key signs you can look out for that can indicate gum disease:
- Bleeding gums
- Loose or mobile teeth
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Swollen or painful gums
Keep in mind that it is often the case that gum disease does not often show any symptoms, so get in touch with our staff at Lamb Street Medical and Dental for a proper gum and periodontal assessment.

Managing gum disease
Gum disease is certainly a manageable condition. Our dentists will aim to remove the source of the inflammation around the gums. This is done through a professional deep cleaning over multiple appointments to go under and below the gums to remove the buildup of plaque and bacteria.

Ultimately, prevention remains crucial in ensuring that the gums stay healthy and we often recommend patients return more frequently for regular reviews to ensure the gums are recovering and remain healthy.

Our team at Lamb Street Medical and Dental is here to help. Give us a call on 9008 6363 to arrange an appointment to discuss your gums. No matter how long you’ve left it or how bad you think it is, we will strive to help and get you smiling as best as we can.