Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth that progresses through reversible and irreversible stages. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), approximately 3 in 10 Australian adults have moderate to severe periodontal disease, making it one of the most common chronic conditions in the country. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) reports that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, ahead of tooth decay and dental trauma.
East Adelaide Dental Studio provides gum disease treatment for patients across Glenside, Burnside, Kensington, Norwood, Toorak Gardens, Dulwich, Rose Park, Linden Park, Leabrook and the Adelaide Hills. Dr Arthur Shizas, Dr Serena Vi, Dr Daniel Yeu and Dr Pierre Kieu diagnose and manage gingivitis and periodontitis using state-of-the-art equipment and current ADA clinical guidelines.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a chronic bacterial infection of the gum tissue, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone that support the teeth. Plaque bacteria accumulate along and below the gumline, triggering inflammation that destroys the attachment between tooth and bone over time.
The AIHW Adult Oral Health Tracker reports that 28.8 per cent of Australian adults aged 15 and over have moderate or severe periodontal pockets measuring 4mm or deeper. The prevalence rises with age. Around 53 per cent of adults aged 65 and over show signs of moderate to severe gum disease.
Gum disease begins as gingivitis, a condition limited to the gum surface. Gingivitis is reversible with professional cleans and improved home care. If untreated, gingivitis advances to periodontitis, a condition where the gums detach from the teeth, periodontal pockets form, and alveolar bone begins to resorb. Periodontitis causes irreversible bone loss. Once bone is lost, it does not regenerate without surgical intervention.
Gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss in Australian adults. The AIHW reports that adults with severe periodontitis are 5 times more likely to lose teeth than adults with healthy gums.
What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?
Gum disease progresses through 3 clinical stages, each defined by the depth of tissue destruction and the reversibility of damage.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is gum inflammation caused by plaque bacteria, without bone loss. Plaque builds up along the gumline, irritating the tissue and triggering an immune response. Blood vessels dilate, gums redden, swell and bleed on brushing.
Symptoms of gingivitis include red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, and persistent bad breath. No bone loss has occurred. Pocket depths measure 1 to 3mm. Gingivitis is fully reversible with a professional scale and clean and consistent daily brushing and flossing. Most patients recover within 2 weeks of treatment.
Stage 2: Early Periodontitis
Early periodontitis is the stage at which gums detach from the teeth and alveolar bone loss begins. The periodontal ligament that anchors each tooth starts to break down. Periodontal pockets deepen to 4 to 5mm as gums recede from the tooth surface.
Plaque and tartar accumulate below the gumline in these pockets, where brushing cannot reach. Bacteria produce toxins that accelerate tissue destruction. Symptoms include bleeding gums, gum recession, sensitivity to hot and cold, and persistent bad breath. Early periodontitis causes mild bone loss that is visible on dental X-rays. Damage at this stage is irreversible, but progression can be halted with gum disease treatment and ongoing maintenance.
Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced periodontitis is the stage of significant bone loss, loose teeth and tooth loss. Periodontal pockets deepen beyond 6mm. Up to 50 per cent of the bone supporting a tooth may be destroyed. Teeth become mobile, shift position and may fall out or require tooth extraction.
Symptoms of advanced periodontitis include loose teeth, pus between teeth and gums, persistent bad taste, teeth that appear longer due to severe gum recession, changes in the bite, and acute periodontal abscesses. Treatment at this stage typically requires periodontal surgery, and patients who lose teeth may need dental implants, dentures or dental crowns to restore function.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease has one primary cause and 9 contributing risk factors that accelerate its progression.
- Plaque accumulation
Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. Plaque is a sticky biofilm of bacteria that forms on teeth within hours of brushing. According to research from the University of Adelaide School of Dentistry, over 700 bacterial species inhabit the human oral cavity, and more than 40 of these are associated with periodontal disease. Plaque bacteria produce toxins that irritate gum tissue and trigger the inflammatory response that destroys periodontal attachment.
- Poor oral hygiene
Inconsistent brushing and flossing allows plaque to mature into tartar (calculus) within 24 to 72 hours. Tartar is a hardened deposit that cannot be removed by brushing and harbours additional bacteria. Only a professional scale and clean removes tartar.
- Smoking
The Australian government’s Department of Health reports that smokers are 3 times more likely to develop severe periodontitis than non-smokers. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the gums and impairing the immune response. Smoking also masks bleeding, one of the earliest signs of gum disease, delaying diagnosis.
- Diabetes
People with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop periodontitis, according to Diabetes Australia. Elevated blood glucose impairs white blood cell function and slows wound healing. The relationship is bidirectional: gum disease also worsens blood glucose control, creating a cycle of deterioration.
- Genetics
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology estimates that 30 per cent of the population has a genetic predisposition to periodontitis. The interleukin-1 gene cluster has been identified as a marker for severe periodontal disease susceptibility.
- Certain medications
Antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure medications and anticonvulsants reduce saliva production. Saliva buffers acids and washes away bacteria. Reduced saliva flow increases plaque accumulation and gum disease risk.
- Hormonal changes
Pregnancy, menstruation, menopause and oral contraceptive use alter hormone levels, increasing gum sensitivity to plaque. Pregnancy gingivitis affects 60 to 75 per cent of pregnant women, according to the Australian Dental Association.
- Poor nutrition
Vitamin C deficiency impairs collagen production, weakening gum tissue. A diet high in refined sugars feeds plaque bacteria. The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting added sugars to support oral health.
- Stress
Chronic stress suppresses immune function, reducing the body’s ability to fight periodontal bacteria. Stress is also linked to teeth grinding (bruxism), which places additional force on the periodontal ligament.
- Age
The AIHW reports that gum disease prevalence increases with each decade of life. Adults aged 65 and over have the highest rates of severe periodontitis at approximately 53 per cent.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Gum disease symptoms vary by stage and progress gradually. Many early symptoms are painless, which is why the ADA estimates that 65 per cent of Australians with moderate gum disease are unaware they have it.
Early symptoms (gingivitis):
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen or puffy gums
- Gums that feel tender to touch
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- A metallic taste in the mouth
Moderate symptoms (early periodontitis):
- Gum recession (gums pulling away from teeth)
- Teeth that appear longer than before
- Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
- Deep pockets between teeth and gums
- Changes in the way teeth fit together when biting
Advanced symptoms (severe periodontitis):
- Loose teeth or teeth that shift position
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Persistent bad taste that does not resolve
- Pain when chewing
- Acute gum abscesses
- Tooth loss
Bleeding gums are the most reliable early warning sign of gum disease. According to the Australian Dental Association, healthy gums do not bleed on brushing. If your gums bleed, book an assessment at East Adelaide Dental Studio by calling (08) 8379 3529. Our team provides same-day emergency dental appointments for patients experiencing acute pain, swelling or abscesses.
How Is Gum Disease Linked to Overall Health?
Gum disease is not isolated to the mouth. Research from Australian and international institutions confirms 6 systemic health connections.
- Cardiovascular disease
Oral bacteria enter the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue and contribute to arterial plaque formation. A 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that adults with severe periodontitis have a 28 per cent higher risk of heart attack than adults with healthy gums. The National Heart Foundation of Australia lists gum disease as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Diabetes
The connection between diabetes and gum disease is bidirectional. Diabetes Australia reports that treating periodontitis improves blood glucose control by up to 0.4 per cent in HbA1c levels, equivalent to the effect of adding a second diabetes medication. Conversely, uncontrolled diabetes accelerates periodontal bone loss.
- Respiratory infections
Bacteria from periodontal pockets can be aspirated into the lungs. The Australian Lung Foundation notes that patients with severe gum disease have a 1.75 times higher risk of pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations.
- Pregnancy complications
Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase gum disease susceptibility. The Australian Dental Association reports that pregnant women with untreated periodontitis have a 2 to 3 times higher risk of premature birth (before 37 weeks) and low birth weight (under 2,500 grams).
- Alzheimer disease
Emerging research published in Science Advances in 2019 identified Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key periodontal pathogen, in the brain tissue of Alzheimer disease patients. While research is ongoing, the University of Melbourne Dental School is investigating the causal relationship between chronic periodontal infection and cognitive decline.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
A study from the University of Queensland found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis are 4 times more likely to have periodontitis. Both conditions share inflammatory pathways involving the same immune mediators.
How Is Gum Disease Diagnosed?
Gum disease diagnosis involves 4 clinical assessments performed by your dentist at East Adelaide Dental Studio.
- Periodontal probing
Your dentist uses a periodontal probe, a thin graduated instrument, to measure the depth of the sulcus (gap) between each tooth and the surrounding gum. Measurements are taken at 6 sites per tooth. Healthy pocket depths measure 1 to 3mm. Depths of 4mm or more indicate periodontal disease. Depths of 6mm or more suggest advanced periodontitis requiring specialist intervention.
- Dental X-rays
Periapical and panoramic X-rays show the height of alveolar bone around each tooth. Bone loss appears as a reduction in the distance between the top of the bone and the enamel of the tooth. X-rays also reveal tartar below the gumline and signs of infection at the tooth root.
- Assessment of gum recession, tooth mobility and bleeding on probing
Your dentist measures how much gum has receded from each tooth, tests for tooth looseness (mobility) and records sites that bleed on probing. Bleeding on probing indicates active inflammation.
- Review of medical history
Your dentist reviews your medical history for risk factors including diabetes, smoking, medications, pregnancy and family history of periodontal disease. This information guides both diagnosis and treatment planning.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
Gum disease treatment depends on the stage and severity of the condition. Gum disease cannot be cured, but it can be controlled and its progression halted with appropriate treatment and maintenance.
Treatment for gingivitis
Gingivitis is treated with a professional scale and clean to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, followed by improved home care. Your dentist or hygienist removes deposits using ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments. Most cases resolve within 2 weeks.
Treatment for early periodontitis
Early periodontitis requires scaling and root planing, also called a deep clean. This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic. Your dentist removes plaque and tartar from root surfaces deep within periodontal pockets and smooths the root surface to prevent bacteria reattaching. An antibiotic gel, such as doxycycline or minocycline, may be placed directly into the pockets to target residual bacteria. Recovery takes 1 to 2 weeks.
Treatment for advanced periodontitis
Advanced periodontitis may require periodontal surgery. Surgical options include flap surgery (the gum is lifted back to allow deep cleaning of root surfaces and bone), bone grafting (synthetic or donated bone is placed to regenerate lost alveolar bone) and gum grafting (tissue is taken from the palate to cover exposed root surfaces). Teeth that cannot be saved require tooth extraction, followed by dental implants, dentures or dental crowns.
If gum infection has reached the tooth nerve, root canal treatment may be required to save the tooth. Your dentist will assess whether a tooth is salvageable or requires extraction.
Periodontal maintenance
After active treatment, patients with periodontitis require maintenance cleans every 3 months. These appointments involve probing, scaling and polish to prevent bacteria repopulating the pockets. The Australian Dental Association recommends 3-monthly maintenance for all patients treated for periodontitis, as bacteria repopulate periodontal pockets within 90 days of treatment.
What Are the Costs of Gum Disease Treatment in Adelaide?
Gum disease treatment costs in Adelaide vary based on severity and the procedures required. The general cost structure is:
- Standard scale and clean (gingivitis): The most affordable option, typically covered by health funds under general dental.
- Scaling and root planing (early periodontitis): Moderate cost, charged per quadrant (4 quadrants per mouth). Often performed over 2 appointments.
- Periodontal surgery (advanced periodontitis): Higher cost, reflecting surgical time and specialist referral if required.
Treating early-stage gum disease is significantly cheaper than treating advanced periodontitis and replacing lost teeth. A standard professional clean costs a fraction of a single dental implant.
East Adelaide Dental Studio is a Bupa Members Choice and HCF Members Choice preferred provider. Patients with Bupa or HCF cover receive set gap or no-gap rates on many periodontal treatments.
For patients without health fund cover, we offer:
- Denticare payment plans for interest-free instalments
- Afterpay for treatments up to $2,000
View our full range of payment options or call (08) 8379 3529 for a quote specific to your treatment plan.
How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?
Gum disease prevention involves 7 evidence-based habits. The Australian Dental Association recommends the following protocol for adults.
Brush twice daily
Brush your teeth for 2 minutes, morning and night, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Soft bristles clean along the gumline without abrading gum tissue. Angle the brush at 45 degrees to the gumline and use gentle circular motions.
Clean between teeth daily
Floss once a day, or use interdental brushes if you have wider spaces between teeth. Interdental cleaning removes plaque from surfaces the toothbrush cannot reach. Research from the Cochrane Oral Health Group found that flossing plus brushing reduces gingivitis by 32 per cent compared with brushing alone.
Attend 6-monthly check-ups
Visit East Adelaide Dental Studio every 6 months for a comprehensive examination and professional cleans. Your dentist removes tartar that home care cannot remove and monitors pocket depths for early signs of disease.
Quit smoking
Smoking is the single most significant modifiable risk factor for periodontitis. Smokers who quit reduce their gum disease risk by 50 per cent within 5 years, according to the Australian government’s Quit program. Call Quitline on 13 78 48 for support.
Manage diabetes
If you have diabetes, maintain blood glucose within target ranges. The Australian Diabetes Society recommends HbA1c below 7 per cent for most adults. Stable blood glucose reduces gum disease severity and improves treatment outcomes.
Eat a balanced diet
Eat a diet rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits, capsicum, broccoli), vitamin D (fatty fish, eggs) and calcium (dairy, leafy greens). The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting foods high in added sugars, which feed plaque bacteria.
Limit alcohol
The Australian government’s National Health and Medical Research Council recommends no more than 10 standard drinks per week. Excessive alcohol consumption reduces saliva flow and impairs immune function, both of which increase gum disease risk.
Book a Gum Disease Assessment at East Adelaide Dental Studio
If you have bleeding gums, gum recession, loose teeth or persistent bad breath, book a gum disease assessment with East Adelaide Dental Studio today.
Call (08) 8379 3529 to schedule an appointment with Dr Arthur Shizas, Dr Serena Vi, Dr Daniel Yeu or Dr Pierre Kieu. We offer same-day emergency appointments for acute pain, swelling or abscesses.
Our practice is located at 1 Allinga Avenue, Glenside SA 5065, serving patients across Glenside, Burnside, Kensington, Norwood, Toorak Gardens, Dulwich, Rose Park, Linden Park, Leabrook and the Adelaide Hills.
We are a Bupa Members Choice and HCF Members Choice preferred provider. We offer Denticare payment plans and Afterpay to make treatment affordable.
Contact East Adelaide Dental Studio to book your gum disease assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gum disease reversible?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is fully reversible with a professional clean and improved home care. Periodontitis is not reversible. The bone loss caused by periodontitis is permanent. However, gum disease treatment can halt progression and control the infection with ongoing maintenance cleans every 3 months. Early diagnosis is critical because the difference between reversible gingivitis and irreversible periodontitis can be a matter of weeks.
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in Australian adults, according to the AIHW. Advanced periodontitis destroys the alveolar bone and periodontal ligament that hold teeth in place. Once bone loss exceeds 50 per cent, teeth become loose and may fall out or require tooth extraction. Lost teeth can be replaced with dental implants, dentures or dental crowns, but prevention is always more effective and less costly.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Bleeding gums indicate inflammation caused by plaque bacteria along the gumline. Healthy gums do not bleed. The Australian Dental Association states that bleeding on brushing is the most common early sign of gingivitis. Other causes include brushing too hard, a new toothbrush with stiff bristles, blood-thinning medications, vitamin C deficiency and hormonal changes during pregnancy. Book an assessment at East Adelaide Dental Studio to determine the cause.
Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Yes. Research links gum disease to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, pregnancy complications, Alzheimer disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Oral bacteria enter the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue and contribute to systemic inflammation. The National Heart Foundation of Australia lists gum disease as a modifiable risk factor for heart disease. Treating periodontitis improves blood glucose control in people with diabetes by up to 0.4 per cent in HbA1c.
How often should I have a professional clean?
Most adults benefit from a professional clean every 6 months. Patients diagnosed with periodontitis require maintenance cleans every 3 months to prevent bacteria repopulating periodontal pockets. Smokers, people with diabetes and patients with a history of rapid tartar buildup may need 4-monthly cleans. Your dentist at East Adelaide Dental Studio will recommend a recall interval based on your individual risk profile.
How much does gum disease treatment cost in Adelaide?
The cost of gum disease treatment in Adelaide depends on the stage of disease and the procedures required. A standard scale and clean is the most affordable option. Scaling and root planing for early periodontitis is charged per quadrant. Periodontal surgery for advanced disease costs more. East Adelaide Dental Studio is a Bupa Members Choice and HCF Members Choice provider, and offers Denticare payment plans and Afterpay. Treating gingivitis early is significantly cheaper than treating advanced periodontitis and replacing lost teeth. Call (08) 8379 3529 for a quote.
