Gentle Gum Infections, Gingivitis and Periodontitis Treatments
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the gums and supporting bone around your teeth. We diagnose and treat gingivitis and periodontitis in Bella Vista to stop bleeding gums, remove infection, and protect your smile long-term.
Contact us if you have any more questions!
About Dr Sejal Rai
As a University of Sydney graduate, Dr Rai has a diverse background. After growing up in central Africa and completing her secondary education and Bachelor’s degree in the US, she is well positioned to treat a wide variety of multicultural patients. With a keen eye for precision and great chairside manner, she is described by her patients as being caring, kind and totally committed to patient care.
Away from the practice, Dr Rai loves spending quality time with her 3 children and this allows her to treat children and special needs patients with an unparalleled level of ease. In addition, her focus and passion for helping adults achieve their perfect smile is a great motivator and is what keeps her at the forefront of modern dentistry in Bella Vista.
Fast answers (good for quick scans)
- Early stage (gingivitis) is reversible with a professional clean and better home care.
- Advanced stage (periodontitis) damages bone and needs targeted periodontal therapy + maintenance.
- Common signs: bleeding gums, bad breath, swollen or receding gums, loose or shifting teeth.
- Goal: remove bacteria and calculus, reduce pocket depths, stabilise gum health, and maintain it.
What is gum disease?
Plaque bacteria irritate the gum line. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) that triggers inflammation. Left untreated, this can progress from gingivitis (gum inflammation only) to periodontitis (inflammation plus bone loss), risking tooth mobility and tooth loss.
Gingivitis vs periodontitis (simple comparison)
| Feature | Gingivitis | Periodontitis |
|---|---|---|
| Where is the damage? | Gums only | Gums and supporting bone |
| Typical symptoms | Red, swollen, bleeding gums; bad breath | Gum recession, drifting/loose teeth, gum abscesses |
| Is it reversible? | Yes, usually quickly | Bone loss isn’t reversible without surgery, but disease can be stabilised |
| Main treatment | Professional clean + daily home care | Deep cleaning (scaling & root planing), re-evaluation, maintenance |
Do I have gum disease? (symptoms checklist)
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Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
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Persistent bad breath or bad taste
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Puffy, tender gum margins
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Gum recession or “longer-looking” teeth – Gum Grafting may be required
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Teeth that feel loose, or new spaces appearing
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Gum boils/abscesses or soreness when chewing
If you’re noticing these signs, book a periodontal assessment online or call our team so we can check pockets and bone support with x-rays
How we treat gum disease at Dentistry on Solent
We follow an evidence-based, comfort-first plan tailored to your mouth and medical history.
1) Periodontal assessment
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Full gum charting (pocket depths, bleeding points, mobility)
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Digital x-rays to view bone levels
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Personal risk profile (smoking, diabetes, medications, bite/clenching, crowding)
2) Gingivitis care (professional clean)
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Thorough removal of plaque and calculus above the gum line
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Polishing and tailored home-care coaching
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Early gingivitis often resolves in 1–2 visits
3) Periodontitis care (deep cleaning)
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Scaling & root planing under local anaesthetic for comfort
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Quadrant-by-quadrant instrumentation to remove deposits below the gum line and smooth roots
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Comfort options for anxious patients—ask about sleep dentistry for longer sessions.
4) Helpful adjuncts (case-by-case)
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Local antimicrobial gels or short-course medicated rinses
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Bite adjustment if traumatic contacts are inflaming pockets
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Laser-assisted bacterial reduction where suitable (see our Laser Dentistry page).
5) Re-evaluation and maintenance
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Re-measure healing at 6–8 weeks (less bleeding, shallower pockets)
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Long-term periodontal maintenance every 3–6 months based on your risk and response
6) Advanced/surgical options (if needed)
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Referral-based regenerative procedures or gum grafting for deep defects/recession
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If a tooth has a hopeless prognosis, we’ll plan a comfortable extraction and replacement (dental implants, bridges, or dentures) with transparent pros and cons.
Why treat gum disease early?
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Stops bleeding & tenderness so daily brushing is comfortable again
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Removes the source of bad breath (deep bacterial plaque)
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Prevents tooth movement & loss by protecting bone support
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Saves time and money versus complex rehabilitation later
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Supports overall health with a mouth that’s easier to keep clean
Your appointment experience (what to expect)
We keep visits calm and judgement-free. You’ll see what we see on screen, get plain-English explanations, and receive a clear written plan with itemised costs and timing. Prefer extra reassurance, quiet appointments, or breaks? Tell us—our team will tailor your visit. For emergencies like facial swelling or a painful gum abscess, same-day care is often available via our Emergency Dentist page.
Aftercare: keep gums healthy at home
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Brush twice daily with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste
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Clean between teeth daily with floss or correctly sized interdental brushes
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Use dentist-recommended antibacterial rinse short-term if advised
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Keep to your personalised 3–6 month maintenance rhythm
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Quitting smoking/vaping markedly improves healing
Serving Bella Vista & the Hills District
We’re convenient to Bella Vista, Norwest, Kellyville, Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Rouse Hill, Glenwood, Stanhope Gardens, Kings Langley, Beaumont Hills, Dural, Glenhaven, Kenthurst, Box Hill and North Kellyville.
How much does gum disease treatment cost in Bella Vista?
Fees depend on severity, the number of quadrants needing deep cleaning, and whether adjuncts or specialist care are required. After your assessment we’ll provide a written, itemised quote, discuss any health fund rebates, and point you to current special offers if available.
People Also Ask
What is gum disease?
It’s inflammation caused by plaque bacteria that affects the gums and, if advanced, the bone holding teeth. Gingivitis affects only gums; periodontitis includes bone loss and needs periodontal therapy to stabilise.
How to treat gum disease?
Gingivitis: a professional clean + daily brushing/flossing usually reverses it.
Periodontitis: deep cleaning, re-evaluation, and regular maintenance; adjuncts like antimicrobials or laser may be recommended; surgery is sometimes needed for deep defects.
What does gum disease look like?
Red, puffy gums that bleed easily; recession that makes teeth look longer; new spaces or loosening teeth; occasional gum boils or bad taste.
Can gum disease kill you?
Gum disease itself doesn’t “kill,” but untreated infection can lead to severe dental abscesses and tooth loss, and it’s linked with poorer control of some systemic conditions. Treating it reduces these risks and improves oral function and comfort.
How to cure gum disease without a dentist?
You can improve gingivitis at home with thorough brushing and interdental cleaning. But once it becomes periodontitis, DIY isn’t enough—calculus below the gum line must be professionally removed to stop bone loss.
Ready to stop bleeding gums and bad breath?
Gentle, Precise & Stress-Free Care for Your Gums. 📞 Call us today on (02) 9158 6137or Book Online to arrange your consultation and find the best solution for your oral health.

