Periodontal (Gum) Therapy
Healthy Gums for Lifelong Oral Health
The main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque—a sticky, colourless film that constantly forms on your teeth, especially along the gumline. When not removed through proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental care, plaque can harden into tartar and contribute to ongoing gum inflammation.
Why Gum Health Matters
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. In fact, many people will experience some form of periodontal disease in their lifetime.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is the most effective way to prevent both gum disease and cavities. Daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits play a key role in keeping your gums healthy and strong.
What Causes Gum Disease?
While plaque bacteria are the primary cause, several factors can increase your risk, including:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Certain medications
- Poor nutrition
When plaque is not removed, it can irritate the gums, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding. Over time, this can lead to the formation of deeper pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria thrive and damage supporting bone and tissue.
Treatment for Gum Disease
When gum disease is present, professional treatment is needed to stop its progression and protect your oral health. One of the most common non-surgical treatments is a deep cleaning, which may include scaling and root planing.
These procedures are designed to thoroughly clean below the gumline, removing bacteria, plaque, and tartar that regular brushing cannot reach.
In some cases, local anesthesia may be used to ensure your comfort during treatment.
Scaling
Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and beneath the gums using specialized dental instruments. This helps reduce bacteria and inflammation around the teeth.
Root Planing
Root planing smooths the root surfaces of the teeth to help the gums reattach and heal properly. This also makes it more difficult for bacteria to build up again in the future.
In some cases, additional antimicrobial treatments or localized antibiotics may be recommended to help control infection and support healing.
Benefits of Treatment
Gum disease treatment can significantly improve both your oral and overall health. Benefits may include:
- Reduced gum inflammation and bleeding
- Help preventing tooth loss
- Fresher breath and improved oral hygiene
- Removal of bacteria associated with systemic health risks
- A cleaner, healthier-looking smile
When treated early, gum disease can often be managed effectively and progression can be slowed or stopped.
If you are experiencing signs of gum disease such as bleeding gums, sensitivity, or persistent bad breath, CORE Dental Care is here to help with gentle, thorough treatment tailored to your needs.