Gum disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque. Plaque is the creamy substance that builds up on everyone’s teeth. If plaque is allowed to build up along the gum line of teeth the bacteria cause an inflammatory reaction that results in the bone around the teeth to be lost over time. If left untreated this results in loose teeth that eventually fall out. Other factors like smoking and genetics can exacerbate gum disease but the primary cause is always plaque.

Treatment involves developing more effective tooth brushing and cleaning techniques and deep cleaning (‘scaling’ or ‘debridement’) followed by reassessment. In severe cases, repeated courses of deep cleaning are often required and sometimes gum surgery can also be beneficial. Once stabilised, regular ongoing professional cleaning is required for life to avoid re-activation of the disease.