Periodontics & Gum Disease Treatment in Townsville
Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth and gums when oral hygiene slips. Left untreated, it hardens into tartar and becomes the leading cause of gum disease. Our periodontal team at The Townsville Dental Centre treats gum disease at every stage, from early gingivitis through to more advanced periodontitis, and helps you keep it from coming back.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is inflammation, soreness, or infection affecting the gums and the tissues supporting your teeth. It has two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis
The earliest stage. Gums become red, swollen, and often bleed when brushed. At this stage, gum disease is fully reversible with professional cleaning and better home care.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the bone supporting your teeth begins to weaken. This can lead to loose teeth and, without treatment, eventual tooth loss.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Plaque is the primary cause, but several factors increase your risk:
Genetic susceptibility
Hormonal changes
Smoking
Diet
Diabetes and other medical conditions
Certain medications
Inconsistent oral hygiene
Signs You May Have Gum Disease
Red or swollen gums
Gums that bleed easily when brushing
Bad breath
Pain when chewing
Loose teeth
Receding gums
Overly sensitive teeth
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth having your gums checked. Caught early, gum disease is straightforward to treat.
Why Gum Health Matters Beyond Your Mouth
Gum disease doesn’t just affect your teeth. Ongoing gum inflammation has been linked to broader health conditions, including heart disease and complications with diabetes. Treating gum disease early isn’t only about keeping your teeth – it’s part of looking after your overall health.
How Gum Disease Is Treated
Treatment depends on how advanced the gum disease is.
Professional Clean and Scale
For early gingivitis, a thorough professional clean removes plaque and tartar buildup, often resolving the problem when paired with improved home care.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
For more established gum disease, we clean below the gum line to remove bacteria and smooth the tooth root, helping gums reattach and heal.
Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance
Once gum disease is under control, regular maintenance visits (more frequent than a standard check-up) help keep it from returning.
Referral for Advanced Cases
For more severe periodontitis, we may recommend further treatment such as gum surgery, coordinated with a periodontal specialist where needed.
Alongside any treatment, we’ll work with you on daily habits at home, and lifestyle factors like smoking, to give the treatment the best chance of lasting.
Book a Gum Health Check in Townsville
Healthy gums are the foundation for strong teeth and a confident smile. If you’re noticing bleeding, swelling, or sensitivity, book a consultation at our Kokoda Street or Fairfield Central clinic and we’ll get your gum health back on track.
Gingivitis, the early stage, can usually be fully reversed with professional cleaning and good home care. Periodontitis can be managed and controlled, but any bone loss that’s already occurred generally can’t be undone.
How often should I have my gums checked?
For most people, a check-up every six months is enough to catch early gum disease. If you’ve been treated for gum disease before, we may recommend more frequent maintenance visits.
Is gum disease treatment painful?
Most treatments, including deep cleaning, are done comfortably under local anaesthetic if needed. Some sensitivity afterward is normal and settles quickly.
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