Periodontal Health and Treatment

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. If you’re experiencing bleeding, tenderness, bad breath, or gum recession, these may be early signs of gum disease — a common condition we treat every day at Kew Dental Care.

Gum disease begins with a sticky layer of bacteria called biofilm (dental plaque) that builds up on teeth and along the gumline. If not regularly disrupted through effective brushing, flossing, and professional dental care, this biofilm can trigger inflammation in the gums — known as gingivitis. Over time, this can progress to periodontitis, where the supporting bone and tissues around the teeth are affected.

Gingivitis is the early, reversible stage of gum disease. Gums may appear red, swollen, or bleed when brushing or flossing, but the bone supporting the teeth is still healthy. With the right care, gingivitis can be fully resolved.

Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease, where inflammation begins to affect the bone and supporting structures around the teeth. This can lead to gum recession, deep pockets around the teeth, and, over time, tooth mobility or tooth loss if left untreated. 

 Periodontitis cannot be diagnosed by appearance alone — it requires careful measurement of the gum pockets around each tooth, along with clinical assessment and, where needed, dental x-rays to evaluate the supporting bone. While it cannot be reversed, it can be stabilised and carefully managed with ongoing care. 

Research shows that gum health is closely linked to overall health. Chronic inflammation associated with periodontal disease has been linked to conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and complications in pregnancy. While these relationships are complex, maintaining healthy gums is an important part of supporting your general wellbeing.

At Kew Dental Care, we provide gentle, thorough gum disease treatment tailored to your individual needs. Your care includes a detailed assessment of your gums, identification of areas where biofilm is accumulating, and professional cleaning to remove plaque and calculus (hardened deposits). We also provide personalised oral hygiene guidance, so you feel confident caring for your teeth and gums at home.

If gum disease is present, we will develop a personalised periodontal treatment plan to stabilise the condition and support healing. This may involve targeted periodontal therapy and ongoing maintenance visits to help keep your gums healthy and comfortable long term.

Gum disease is very common, our focus is on prevention, healing, and long-term support — so you can feel comfortable, confident, and in control of your oral health.

Whether you’re noticing early signs of gum disease or looking for ongoing periodontal care, our Kew Dental Care team is here to support you with gentle, evidence-based treatment.