— Gum health, the gentle way

Diagnosing and treating gum disease with calm, gentle care.

Treating gum disease

The Kurmond Dentist provides gum disease treatment for patients across Kurmond, the Hawkesbury and the surrounding suburbs. As a general dental practice on Bells Line of Road, we diagnose and treat gingivitis and periodontitis, the two main forms of gum (periodontal) disease.

Our care centres on scaling and root planing, a thorough clean above and below the gum line, supported by ongoing maintenance to keep your gums healthy for the long term.

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— Signs you may have gum disease

Gum disease often develops slowly and painlessly, so it’s easy to miss.

  • Bleeding gums when you brush, floss or bite into firm food

  • Red, swollen or shiny gums, rather than firm and pale pink
  • Receding gums, where teeth start to look longer than they used to
  • Persistent bad breath or a bad taste that won’t shift
  • Tender gums, or gums that have pulled away from your teeth
  • Loose teeth, or a change in the way your teeth fit together

If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth having your gums checked. The earlier gum disease is found, the simpler it is to treat, and the more of your natural tooth support you keep.

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Gum disease treatment

— What is gum disease?

An infection of the gums and the structures that hold your teeth in place.

— Reversible

Gingivitis

The early, reversible stage

Plaque along the gum line makes your gums red, puffy and prone to bleeding. The good news: gingivitis is usually reversible, with a professional clean to remove the build-up, plus good brushing and flossing at home, your gums can return to health.

— Controllable

Periodontitis

The advanced stage

Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. The infection reaches the bone and tissue that anchor your teeth, forming pockets and breaking down support. It can’t be fully cured, but with the right treatment and regular maintenance, the damage can be slowed or stopped so you keep your teeth.

— What causes gum disease?

It starts with plaque and that’s something we can manage.

Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When it isn’t removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by a dentist.

That build-up irritates the gums and drives the infection. Understanding your own risk factors helps us tailor your treatment and at-home care, it’s not one-size-fits-all.

Things that can raise your risk

  • Inconsistent brushing and flossing, or skipped check-ups
  • Smoking or vaping
  • Diabetes and some other health conditions
  • Certain medications that reduce saliva
  • Hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy)
  • A family history of gum disease

— How we treat gum disease

Managed comfortably and gently, right here in Kurmond.

Treatment depends on how far the gum disease has progressed, but for most people, it’s a gentle, comfortable process from start to finish.

A thorough gum health assessment

We examine your gums and measure the small pockets around your teeth (a quick, gentle check called periodontal charting), often with X-rays to see the bone underneath. This tells us exactly what stage you’re at and what care you need.

Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)

The core treatment for most gum disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar that ordinary brushing can’t reach; root planing gently smooths the tooth roots so the gums can reattach and heal. Often carried out over more than one visit so your gums have time to settle.

Ongoing periodontal maintenance

Gum disease is a long-term condition, so keeping it under control matters as much as the first treatment. We set you up with a maintenance schedule, usually more frequent cleans, and show you the techniques that work best for your mouth.

When a referral is the right step

We treat the great majority of gum disease in-house. If your case is advanced or needs specialist treatment, we’ll refer you to a periodontist (a registered gum specialist) and stay involved in your ongoing care, we’d rather be upfront than overpromise.

— Frequently Asked Questions

Gum disease, answered.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Give our friendly team a call, we’re happy to help with any questions you may have.

Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can usually be reversed with a professional clean and good care at home. Periodontitis, the advanced stage, can’t be fully cured, but it can be controlled and slowed with treatment and regular maintenance, so you can keep your teeth.

Healthy gums are firm and pale pink. Gum disease often shows as red, swollen or shiny gums that bleed when you brush or floss. As it advances you may notice receding gums, persistent bad breath, or teeth that feel loose.

Bleeding gums are usually an early sign of gingivitis. Keep brushing gently twice a day and floss daily, and book a check-up, a professional clean removes the tartar that causes the inflammation. Don’t stop cleaning an area just because it bleeds.

The bacteria linked to gum disease can be passed between people through saliva, but whether you actually develop gum disease depends mainly on your own oral hygiene, health and risk factors.

Most gum disease is managed well within a general practice like ours. If your case is advanced or needs specialist treatment, we’ll refer you to a periodontist (a registered gum specialist) and continue to support your care.

— Book an Appointment

We’d be glad to welcome you to the practice.

Whether you’re booking your first visit or simply have a question, our team is here to help, give us a call or send us a message, and we’ll find a time that suits you and your family.

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