Gum disease treatment
Bleeding gums aren’t something to ignore. Gum disease is common, often painless in the early stages, and one of the main reasons adults lose teeth. The good news is that it can be treated, and early gum disease can be reversed. Our specialist periodontist, Dr Bongi Mahlangu, will assess your gums, plan the right treatment and help you keep them healthy for the long term.
Specialist care for healthy gums
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Dr Bongi Mahlangu is a registered specialist in Oral Medicine and Periodontics, which means she focuses on the health of your gums and the bone that supports your teeth. She trained at the University of the Western Cape and serves on the executive committee of SASPI. Dr Bongi treats everything from early gum problems to advanced gum disease, and she sees patients at the practice in Kloof, so you don’t have to travel for specialist care. She takes time to explain what’s happening in your mouth and plans treatment you’re comfortable with, working with our dental team to keep your gums healthy for the long term.
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Gingivitis is the early stage. Plaque builds up along the gumline and the gums become red, swollen and bleed easily. With a professional clean and good home care, it can be reversed.
Periodontitis is the advanced stage. The infection reaches the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place. Gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets, and teeth can loosen over time. The damage can’t be undone, but treatment can stop it getting worse.
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Assessment. We measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth and, if needed, take X-rays to check the bone. The objective of the assessment is to determine whether you have early or advanced gum disease.
Professional clean. Greta, our Oral Hygienist, removes plaque and tartar above and below the gum line.
Deep cleaning (root surface debridement). For deeper pockets, the root surfaces are cleaned so the gums can heal and reattach.
Specialist treatment. For advanced cases, Dr Bongi plans further periodontal treatment.
Maintenance. Regular follow-up cleans, usually every three to four months, keep the disease under control.
Patients are referred back to their general dentist for routine dental examinations, preventative care and ongoing dental maintenance.
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Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Red, swollen or tender gums
Bad breath or a bad taste that won’t go away
Gums that look like they’re shrinking, or teeth that look longer
Loose teeth, or a change in how your teeth fit together when you bite
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Smoking
Diabetes
Hormonal changes, including pregnancy
Some medications
Family history
Plaque build-up from missed cleans
Research has also linked gum disease with other health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. That’s one more reason to keep your gums healthy.