I need help with gum disease

Learn about the warning signs that your gums need help

Healthy gums are just as important as healthy teeth, but it’s not always easy to tell when your gum health is at risk.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Gum disease doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms, but if your gums are red, sore, or swollen, bleed when you brush your teeth, or are receding, then you might have gingivitis, the most common form of gum disease. Gingivitis can also cause persistent bad breath. Untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that destroys the bone around your teeth. Symptoms of periodontitis include loose or separating teeth and a change in the way they fit together when you bite.

Why do I have gum disease?

Gum disease is mainly caused by bacteria in the mouth, which is often the result of insufficient oral hygiene. However, you might also develop gum disease because of lifestyle factors like smoking or poor nutrition. Pregnancy, hormonal changes, diseases such as diabetes, certain medications, and even your genetic makeup can all play a part in making you more likely to develop gum disease.

What treatments are available for gum disease?

We offer a full range of treatments to help you keep your gums happy and healthy.

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Catch the little problems before they get big

Regular dental check-ups are the best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

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Professional cleaning for a healthier mouth

Your teeth need regular deep cleaning that goes beyond normal brushing and flossing.

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Painless removal for impacted, decayed, or damaged teeth

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An attractive woman smiles confidently, showing her healthy and strong teeth after a visit to dentist, Dr Dave Richards, of Natural Smile Dental St Heliers, Auckland.
The luxurious, clean, quality Natural Smile Dental clinic in St Heliers, Auckland provides dental and cosmetic services using advanced technology for a stress-free dentist visit.

Common questions about gum disease

  • Yes, if we catch it in time, we can reverse the early effects of gingivitis with regular check-ups and professional cleaning. We’ll also teach you how to care for your gums at home to restore them to full health. More advanced cases of gum disease may require surgery or medication.

  • Good oral hygiene is the key to keeping gum disease at bay. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and getting your teeth professionally cleaned every six months will help eliminate the bacteria and plaque that causes gingivitis. Annual dental exams will enable us to check that your gums are healthy.

  • Gum disease is often painless and can go unnoticed for many years, which is why it’s important to keep up with preventative care. You are more likely to experience bleeding when you brush, have swollen gums, have loose teeth, or have persistent bad breath, which are all signs you need to get your gums checked immediately.

  • Untreated gum disease can develop into a serious condition called periodontitis. This infection can damage the soft tissue around your teeth and eventually destroy the bones that support them. When that happens, your teeth may become loose or even fall out.

  • The cost of treating gum disease varies greatly, depending on how far it has progressed. Often, mild cases of gingivitis can be treated by taking good care of your oral hygiene at home and attending your regular check-ups and cleans. Advanced cases that have affected the bone around your teeth will require more specialised treatment.

  • Brushing and flossing regularly and eating a healthy diet will help to reverse mild cases of gingivitis, but you will also need regular visits to your oral therapist to have hard-to-reach plaque and tartar professionally cleaned from around your teeth and gums.