WHAT IS A PERIODONTIST?

A periodontist or gum specialist, is a highly trained dental specialist that is registered with AHPRA, the health practitioners regulatory body of Australia. Periodontists diagnose and treat diseases that affect the gums and underlying bone, which are the foundation for healthy teeth.

Becoming a periodontist requires five years at university to obtain a general dental degree, followed by a minimum of 2 years working as a general dentist. In addition, an extra three years of postgraduate university study is required to obtain a specialist qualification.

Your general dentist or dental hygienist may refer you to a periodontist if you have complex periodontal problems, or gum problems which are beyond their scope of care.  

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE (GUM DISEASE)?

In simple terms, gum disease is inflammation of the gums, which is caused by the build up of a bacterial film (plaque and tartar) in your mouth. Early gum disease is called gingivitis, and more severe disease is known as periodontitis. In more complex wording, periodontitis is a chronic immuno-inflammatory response which results in the destruction of the bone and tissues supporting your teeth. In the early stages, the gums become inflamed by the bacteria. Over time as the condition worsens, this inflammation spreads to affect the bone that supports the teeth, and the bone resorbs (dissolves) over time, resulting in the formation of deep gum pockets and reducing the support for the teeth. This bone loss is irreversible - so it is always better to diagnose and treat periodontitis as early as possible.

Over time, if periodontal disease is not treated, it continues to progress, which can result in unsightly teeth due to gum recession, pain, tooth loss and functional problems such as difficulty with chewing and speech.

Periodontal disease is a very common condition affecting at least 20% of the population. In some people, susceptibility is increased by factors like smoking, stress, diabetes, a family history of periodontal disease, or other medical conditions.  

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GUM DISEASE:

In most cases gum disease does not cause a toothache, as unlike decay or a dental abscess, periodontal disease does not cause the teeth to become painful. Common signs and symptoms of gum disease include:

• swollen, red gums

• gums that bleed when you floss or brush your teeth

• gums that have receded away from the teeth, or teeth that look longer

• food trapping under the gums or between the teeth

• persistent bad breath

• bad taste in your mouth

• pus discharge from under the gums

• loose teeth (due to bone loss)

If periodontal disease is not treated, teeth may be lost due to bone loss, inflammation and infection.

If you experience these symptoms, they may be a sign of periodontal disease. Consultation with a dentist or periodontist is recommended to assess your periodontal health.

WHY TREAT GUM DISEASE?

Treatment of gum disease aims to eliminate infection and inflammation of the gums and stabilise gum health to prevent tooth loss.

However, we now recognise that poor oral health and the presence of periodontal disease can also have detrimental effects on general health. There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting an association between gum disease and poor general health, and this is currently a major area of research.

Some of the systemic conditions linked to periodontal diseases include:
• Atherosclerosis (Heart Disease and some Strokes)
• Diabetes
• Preterm low-birth-weight babies
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Respiratory Diseases
• Chronic Kidney Disease

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner