Gum Disease Treatment & Deep Cleaning
Healthier Gums Start With the Right Care
Bleeding or swollen gums, persistent bad breath and gum recession can be signs of gum disease. If left untreated, it can progress and affect the tissues and bone supporting your teeth.
At Macquarie Dentists in Macquarie Park, our focus is on restoring gum health and helping you keep your natural teeth for longer.
KNOW THE SIGNS
Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease can develop gradually and isn’t always painful. Some of the most common signs include:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath, even after brushing
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Receding gums or teeth appearing longer
- Sensitivity around the gumline
- Gaps developing between teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way your teeth bite together
If you’ve noticed changes in your gums, don’t wait for them to become painful. An examination can help identify the cause and determine whether treatment is needed.
Your Gum Treatment at Macquarie Dentists
Every patient’s gum health is different, so treatment begins with understanding what is happening beneath the gumline.
STEP ONE
Gum Assessment
We examine your gums for bleeding, inflammation, recession and other signs of gum disease.
STEP TWO
Gum Measurements
We measure around your gums and may take X-rays to assess gum disease and supporting bone.
STEP THREE
Deep Cleaning
Plaque and hardened calculus are carefully removed from above and below the gumline.
STEP FOUR
Personalised Home Care
We’ll show you how to clean effectively at home and recommend techniques suited to your gums.
STEP FIVE
Gum Health Review
We reassess your gum health and recommend ongoing professional care where needed.
Gingivitis vs Periodontitis
Gum disease can range from early gum inflammation to a more advanced condition affecting the support around your teeth.
GINGIVITIS
The early stage of gum disease, often causing red, swollen or bleeding gums. At this stage, there is no bone loss and gingivitis can often be reversed with professional cleaning and good home care.
PERIODONTITIS
A more advanced stage where infection develops below the gumline, creating deeper pockets around the teeth. Over time, this can damage the supporting bone and may lead to loose teeth or tooth loss.
Why Treat Gum Disease Early?
Gum disease is easier to manage when treated early. Gingivitis can often be reversed with professional cleaning and good oral hygiene. If it progresses to periodontitis, it can begin to damage the bone supporting your teeth. Regular dental examinations and professional cleaning can help detect and manage gum disease early. The goal is to protect your gums, prevent further damage and help you keep your natural teeth for longer.
GENTLE, THOROUGH CARE
What Happens During a Deep Clean?
During your treatment, we’ll:
- Keep you comfortable with local anaesthetic when needed
- Use warm-water ultrasonic cleaning to help reduce sensitivity
- Gently clean below the gumline and around the tooth roots
- Work at a comfortable pace, especially around sensitive areas
- Give you simple aftercare advice to help your gums heal
Concerned About Your Gums?
Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath or changes in your gums shouldn’t be ignored. Our experienced dentists can assess your gum health and recommend the right care to help protect your gums and natural teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Bleeding gums are commonly associated with inflammation caused by plaque accumulating around the gumline. Occasional bleeding can have other causes, but gums that bleed regularly when brushing or flossing should be assessed.
Can gum disease cause bad breath?
Yes. Bacteria and plaque associated with gum disease can contribute to persistent bad breath. If bad breath continues despite regular brushing, flossing and tongue cleaning, your gums may be one possible cause.
Will mouthwash get rid of bad breath caused by gum disease?
Mouthwash may temporarily freshen your breath, but it won’t remove hardened calculus or deposits beneath the gumline. If gum disease is contributing to persistent bad breath, the underlying gum condition needs to be assessed and treated.
What's the difference between a regular clean and a deep clean?
A routine professional clean generally removes plaque and calculus from the teeth and around the gumline.
A deep clean is used when gum disease has progressed beneath the gumline and involves cleaning deeper areas around the tooth roots and within periodontal pockets.
Does a deep clean hurt?
Most patients tolerate a deep clean well. We take treatment at a comfortable pace, and local anaesthetic can be used when needed to minimise discomfort. We also use warm-water ultrasonic cleaning to help reduce sensitivity during treatment.
Can gingivitis be reversed?
In many cases, yes. Gingivitis affects the gums without causing the bone loss associated with periodontitis. Professional cleaning combined with effective oral hygiene at home can often return the gums to better health.
Can periodontitis be cured?
Periodontitis involves damage to the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. Treatment aims to control the disease, reduce inflammation and prevent or slow further damage. Ongoing periodontal maintenance may be required.
Can gum disease make my teeth fall out?
Yes, advanced periodontal disease can destroy the bone and tissues that hold teeth in place. As support is lost, teeth can become loose and, in severe cases, may eventually be lost.
Can receding gums grow back?
Receding gums do not usually grow back on their own, but treatment can help address the cause and prevent further recession. Keeping your gums healthy with professional care and good oral hygiene can help protect the exposed tooth and maintain your gum health.