WHAT IS GUM DISEASE

Gum disease affects 8 in 10 people in New Zealand. Read on to learn more about this chronic problem.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an inflammatory disease of the gums and the supporting structures of your teeth. It is the body’s natural reaction to harmful bacteria and the toxins they produce. It is a major cause of tooth loss. Periodontal disease was once known as ‘pyorrhoea.’ Fifty years ago, it was not uncommon for people to have all their teeth out because of ‘pyorrhoea of the gums.’ Fortunately, we now know a lot more about the disease and how to treat it.


Periodontal disease is caused by plaque. It can be divided into gingivitis and periodontitis. 

Plaque and Calculus

Plaque is a film of bacteria that grows on your teeth. Calculus (tartar) is hardened plaque. If plaque is left for more than two days, it starts to mineralise and form calculus. This chalky substance often grows on the inside of your lower front teeth.


Calculus cannot be removed by flossing or brushing but has to be ‘scaled’ off by a dental professional. 

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. It is the earliest stage of periodontal disease and is caused when plaque is allowed to accumulate around the necks of your teeth. The bacteria in plaque are treated like a foreign body, the same as if you had a splinter in your finger. Your body tries to fight the bacteria and the gum gets red, swollen and bleeds easily. Unfortunately, gingivitis is often painless and only identified during a dental examination.

Early gingivitis is usually completely reversible with regular hygienist treatment and improved home care.

What is Periodontitis?

Untreated gingivitis may progress to periodontitis. The bacteria rich plaque grows down below the gum line, causing the breakdown of the tissues that support the tooth. The tooth separates from the gum and a gap or pocket forms, providing a sheltered place for more bacteria to grow. As the periodontitis advances, bone and tissue is destroyed and the pocket gets deeper. Because the gums are the foundations for your teeth, in severe cases the teeth may become loose or need to be extracted.

While advanced periodontitis is not reversible, regular dental care can restore gum health and stop disease progression.

What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

  • Bleeding gums when touched, brushing, or flossing
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Receding gums
  • Loose or floppy gums
  • Painful gums
  • Loose adult teeth
  • Persistent bad breath

Remember, healthy gums don’t bleed. If you have any of these symptoms, see your dentist.

What Are the Risk Factors for Gum Disease?

  • Inherited or genetic predispostion
  • Poor home care
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • HIV
  • Other diseases and conditions
  • Inadequate nutrition
  • Hormonal changes
  • Puberty
  • Pregnancy
  • Aging
  • Certain medications
  • Substance abuse
  • Stress

Diagnosing Gum Disease

Gum disease assessment forms part of a routine examination. We start with a check of known risk factors and overall dental health. Then we do a periodontal screening, measuring the depth of the gum pocket around each tooth. We use a probe with a small ball on the end and it is not painful. This gives us a grading from 0-4. The mouth is split into 6 areas (sextants) and we record the worst score for each area. 

Grade 0

Healthy gums should have a pocket 1-3mm deep and have no bleeding on probing. The bone around the tooth is healthy and there should be no loss of bone height.

Grade 1

Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing will also bleed to gentle probing. This is given a grade 1. It indicates the gums are inflamed. The bone around the tooth is still healthy and there is still no loss of bone height.

Grade 2

If there is any plaque or tartar on your teeth in that particular sextant, they will get a grade 2. This is early periodontal disease.

Grade 3

If the pocket is greater than 3mm deep then it is given a grade 3. This indicates the presence of established gum disease. The inflammation will start to cause the loss of the supporting bone. Once this bone is lost, its ability to repair and grow back is very limited.

Grade 4

If the pocket is greater than 6mm deep, it is given a grade 3. There is usually calculus (tartar) extending down the root surface inside the pocket. This is accompanied by bone loss, which can be seen on x-rays. Gums are often receding and teeth may be loose. It indicates the presence of advanced periodontal disease. 

If you have bleeding, swollen or sore gums, any loose adult teeth or suffer from bad breath, you probably have gum disease. Come in and see us. Our team would love to help you get your gums back to good health

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