Your gums are like the ‘foundation blocks of a house’ – they support your teeth, and it is vital to maintain their health to ensure optimal overall oral health. If your gums exhibit signs of disease it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Left untreated, gum disease can cause the shifting of teeth, bad breath, tooth pain and ultimately result in tooth loss.

Gingivitis is the early, reversible stage of gum disease. Mainly caused by a build-up of bacteria from poor oral hygiene, its symptoms include generalised inflammation and bleeding while brushing, as well as some discomfort. Other contributing factors such as diabetes, pregnancy, stress and genetics have also been known to increase the risk of gum disease.

Periodontitis is a progressive infection of the gums, in which patients may experience pus exuding from the gums as the bacteria may begin to attack the bone holding your teeth in place. As such, periodontitis can be quite destructive in nature with risk of causing irreversible damage to the gums. This can lead to excessive tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact South Morang Smiles for an appointment today and we can help guide your gums back to optimal health. For further information on gum disease treatment contact us at (03) 9404 5279 for answers to all your questions!