Tooth decay
(Caries)
Gum disease
(Periodontal disease)
Tooth straightening
(Orthodontics)
Mouth & jaw surgery
(Oral & Maxillofacial)
Mouth cancer
(Oral cancer)
Mouth & face pain
(Oro-facial pain)
Medically related problems of the mouth
(Oral medicine)
Dental anxiety
Cosmetic
(aesthetic) dentistry

Gum (periodontal) disease

Periodontal diseases affect the tissues that support and anchor the teeth. The two major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis

Gingivitis causes your gums to become red, inflamed and swollen so that they bleed easily e.g when touching or brushing your gums.

Periodontitis affects the gums, the periodontal ligament (which attaches your tooth to the bone) and the supporting bone. This can result in more swelling and bleeding of the gums, pain, bad breath and taste with pus coming from the gums or abscesses developing (pyorrhoea). The teeth can start to loosen and move and may fall out.

The risk of developing periodontal disease is increased for

Smokers
Diabetics
People on certain drugs (eg. some types of anti-epilepsy, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives)
Pregnant women

Page last edited: 04 October 2008