Gum disease: Why healthy gums matter

When it comes to oral health, most of us focus on our teeth. However, healthy gums are just as important. 

“Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions and, if left untreated, it is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults,” says Dr Suzette Stander, a periodontist at Mediclinic George Day Clinic.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and the structures that support your teeth. It develops when plaque – a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on the teeth every day – isn’t removed through regular brushing, flossing and professional dental cleanings.

Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. The bacteria then irritate the gums, causing inflammation.

“The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis,” says Dr Stander. At this point, the gums may appear red or swollen and may bleed during brushing or flossing. “Because the damage is limited to the gums, gingivitis can usually be reversed with a professional cleaning,” says Dr Stander. “We also encourage patients to brush and floss more often, plus use mouth rinses and electric (sonic) toothbrushes.”

Without treatment, the condition can progress to periodontitis, where the infection spreads below the gumline. “This is when the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that trap bacteria,” she explains. “As the disease advances, it damages the bone and connective tissues supporting the teeth, eventually causing teeth to become loose or even fall out.”

Common signs of periodontitis you shouldn’t ignore:

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums that make teeth appear longer
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Pus around the gums
• Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Early treatment can help prevent permanent damage.

Who is most at risk?

You might be more likely to develop gum disease if you:

• Have poor oral hygiene
• Smoke
• Live with diabetes
• Are pregnant
• Take medication that causes a dry mouth
• Have a family history of gum disease
• Live with chronic stress
• Have a weakened immune system

Treatment for periodontitis

“Treatment usually begins with scaling and root planing, a deep-cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to make it more difficult for bacteria to accumulate,” says Dr Stander. “We use the EMS biofilm removal system to uncover the plaque, together with powders mixed with medication and water. This loosens the hard plaque and flushes it out from underneath the gum pocket.”

Your periodontist may also recommend antimicrobial mouth rinses and antibiotics to help control the infection. Once the disease is under control, you’ll need regular periodontal appointments to make sure it doesn’t reoccur.

For more advanced periodontitis, you might need surgical treatment to restore gum health and preserve the teeth. “Procedures such as flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery) allow us to access and thoroughly clean deep pockets around the teeth before repositioning the gums to promote healing,” says Dr Stander. “This procedure also allows us to replace the missing bone as a result of the gum disease. This prevents further gum recession and breakdown of the bone, as well as tooth movement.”

If a tooth cannot be saved, it may need to be removed. Afterwards, a titanium dental implant can be surgically positioned in its place.

“Modern periodontal treatments are designed to preserve natural teeth whenever possible and restore healthy gum tissue,” says Dr Stander. “With early diagnosis, specialist care and ongoing oral hygiene maintenance overseen by your periodontist, many people with periodontitis can successfully manage the condition and maintain a healthy smile for years to come.”

Can gum disease be prevented?

In most cases, yes.

Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. “Most importantly, don’t ignore bleeding gums,” says Dr Stander. “Many people assume occasional bleeding is normal, but healthy gums should not bleed during brushing or flossing.”