Gum disease is a serious infection that left untreated could lead to tooth loss. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colourless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed. In the mildest form gum disease will cause the gums to swell, bleed easily and redden. It is treatable with professional help and good oral home care.

If it’s not treated plaque can grow over time and build up in the gums. The tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

There are three stages of gum disease:

	Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque build-up at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. There may also be some bleeding during brushing and flossing. At this stage the gum disease may be reversed as the bone and gums are not yet affected
	Periodontitis: At this stage, the supporting bone and fibres that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque. At this stage proper dental treatment and good home oral care is needed.
	Advanced Periodontitis: In this final stage of gum disease, the fibres and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed; this causes the teeth to become loose. This can affect your bite and, if aggressive treatment can't save them, teeth may need to be removed.

How do I know if I have Gum Disease?

	Red, puffy swollen gums.
	Pus coming from between your teeth and gums
	Teeth that look longer due to gums receding
	Gums that have separated, or pulled away, from your teeth, creating a pocket
	Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
	Gums bleeding during brushing or flossing
	Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

How is gum disease treated?
Brushing and flossing teeth properly as good oral health will avoid plaque. The only way to get rid of hardened plaque that has turned into tarter is a professional clean from your dentist or Hygienist. However if the condition is more severe, a root planning procedure may be performed. Root planning helps to smooth irregularities on the roots of the teeth making it more difficult for plaque to deposit there.