Gum disease in Perth – the facts

Preventing dental issues is part of the work that we do at Elite Perio in Perth. Gum disease is one of the most prevalent dental issues in Australia and most people will suffer from a form of it at some point in their life. It is most common in older people and can affect up to 40% of the population of over 55-year-olds.

If you are in a risk group, you may be more likely to have gum disease at any age. These include people who are overweight, smokers and those on lower incomes. Gum disease in Perth can affect more than your teeth. Some studies are now showing that, just like any other infection, gum disease can have a knock-on effect on other areas of the body. This is particularly important information for pregnant women, as gum disease can have an adverse effect on the health of their unborn child.

For all these reasons and more, we take gum disease in Perth seriously at Elite Perio. It is something we monitor you for at your regular dental appointments. We also make sure that you know the signs to look out for so that you can self-diagnose, treat and visit us in between your normal check-ups, if necessary.

How is the severity of gum disease measured?

Gum disease progresses relatively slowly and can be caught and treated in the early stages without too much permanent damage to your teeth and surrounding structures. If it is allowed to progress, your gums, which are normally snug against your teeth, may become loose, forming areas known as ‘periodontal pockets’. Pockets can exacerbate the issue as they are hard to clean and can be a breeding ground for the bacteria that cause dental issues. If a periodontal pocket is deeper than 4mm, this is considered to be advanced gum disease. Eventually, as these pockets progress, you can experience loose teeth and even tooth loss.

To get the support you need to prevent serious issues as a result of gum disease, contact Elite Perio to book an appointment. You can start getting to know a team of skilled dental professionals who are committed to the care of your teeth.