Periodontal disease (gum disease): 
Gingivitis and periodontitis
There are 2 main stages of gum disease: Gingivitis and then periodontitis.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is early gum disease and occurs when dental plaque builds up on teeth, particularly where the gum joins the tooth. The signs of gingivitis are bleeding gums, redness and swollen gums.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is an advanced gum disease that may occur if gingivitis is not treated. The gingivitis may progress to affect the deeper supporting tissues and this is called periodontitis*. Periodontitis is not usually painful until the later stages of the disease.
Symptoms can include:
- bleeding gums e.g. when you brush your teeth
- sensitivity of teeth to hot, cold, sweet or sour foods and drinks
- sore or sensitive teeth and gums
- gum recession
- increasing looseness of teeth.
Who can get periodontitis?
It is most common in people over 40 years of age who may not have maintained a high enough standard of oral hygiene, but it often appears earlier in smokers. Other conditions such as diabetes, stress, pregnancy and various medications can also be contributing factors.
How do you treat it?
If it is detected early enough, periodontitis can be treated by removing plaque and calculus from above and below the gum-line, and with daily brushing and flossing at home by the patient. In more severe cases, patients need a maintenance program that involves cleaning by a periodontist every 3 to 6 months. If this doesn’t bring the disease under control, surgical treatment might be needed to remove infected tissues.
For most periodontal patients, thorough home care and regular maintenance by an oral health professional, do stop the disease progressing.
What happens if you don’t keep up regular treatment?
If patients don’t stick with their treatment plans and don’t follow their home care routines, then the disease will progress. The symptoms will get worse, the gums will become painful, and finally, teeth will need to be extracted.
How can you avoid periodontitis?
How do you know if you need to see a periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who specialises in treating gum disease. If you have any bleeding or swelling of your gums, loose teeth or gum recession, you should report this to your oral health professional. If necessary, they will refer you to a periodontist. Early stages of gum disease can often be treated without a specialist periodontist.
Related information:
News release: Evidence links heart disease and oral health (30.04.10)
News release: Research shows smokers lose more teeth than non-smokers (31.05.11)
Gum disease in pregnant women
Methods of prevention and treatment of Periodontal disease - Oral Health CRC 
*Australian Dental Association (ADA)