COMMON CONCERNS
Gum Disease Canning Vale
Bleeding gums are an early warning sign. Learn the stages of gum disease, the signs to watch for, and how treatment works.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the tissues that support your teeth. It is one of the most common health conditions in Australia and a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It develops in stages, and the earlier it is treated, the simpler treatment tends to be.
Gingivitis is the early stage, where plaque along the gum line causes red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush. At this stage the damage is generally reversible with professional cleaning and good home care.
Periodontitis is the advanced stage, where the infection spreads below the gum line and begins to damage the bone supporting your teeth. Gums may recede, teeth can loosen, and bone loss at this stage is not reversible, which is why early intervention matters.
Signs to Watch For
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gums pulling away from the teeth, making teeth look longer
- New gaps appearing between teeth, or teeth feeling loose
- Discomfort when chewing
Gum disease is often painless in its early stages, so it can progress unnoticed. Bleeding gums are not normal and are worth an assessment even if nothing hurts.
What Increases the Risk
Plaque build up is the primary cause, but smoking, diabetes, certain medications, hormonal changes, family history and stress all increase risk. Smokers are at particularly high risk and often show fewer warning signs because smoking reduces gum bleeding.
How We Treat It
Treatment depends on the stage. Early gum disease usually responds well to a thorough professional clean and an improved home care routine. More advanced disease may need deeper cleaning below the gum line across several visits, and ongoing maintenance appointments to keep it stable. During your examination we measure the gum pockets around each tooth to map exactly where treatment is needed. Outcomes vary between individuals and depend on the stage of disease and how consistently home care is maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can gum disease be cured?
Early gum disease (gingivitis) can usually be fully reversed. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can be treated and stabilised, but bone that has been lost does not grow back, so the goal is stopping further damage.
Is gum disease linked to general health?
Research links periodontitis with several general health conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Managing gum health is considered part of managing overall health, which is one reason we take it seriously.
My gums bleed but nothing hurts. Do I need treatment?
Yes, it is worth an assessment. Bleeding is one of the earliest signs of gum disease, and the absence of pain does not mean the absence of disease. Early treatment is usually quicker and less costly.
How often should I have my gums checked?
For most people, a check and clean every six months is appropriate. If you have a history of gum disease, we may recommend more frequent maintenance visits. Your dentist will advise a schedule for your situation.
Important Information
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Treatment suitability, results and costs vary between patients.
A consultation with one of our dentists is required to assess whether this treatment is appropriate for you. Book a consultation or call 08 9256 2588.
References & Further Reading
This page is based on current clinical literature and guidelines from recognised Australian and international dental and health authorities.
- Australian Dental Association. ada.org.au
- Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA). dentalboard.gov.au
- Australian Periodontology - ADA Oral Health Topics. ada.org.au/Dental-Professionals/Publications/Oral-Health-Topics
- Australian Dental Association - Teeth.org.au Oral Health Advice. teeth.org.au
Content reviewed by Dr Desmond Ng, BDSc (Hons) University of Queensland | Principal Dentist, Dentists at Canning Vale. Last reviewed July 2026.