Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, yet in its early stages it is largely painless and easily overlooked without professional assessment. At Marketplace Smiles, Dr. Wilson and Dr. Fu screen every patient for signs of gingivitis and periodontitis at each routine examination, enabling early intervention before irreversible bone loss occurs. Treatment ranges from a thorough scale and root planing (deep clean) for early-to-moderate disease, to a structured maintenance programme for patients with more advanced periodontitis. Left untreated, gum disease has also been clinically linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and adverse pregnancy outcomes — making periodontal health a whole-body concern.
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Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue only — it causes redness, swelling, and bleeding on brushing, but no permanent damage to the bone or ligaments supporting the tooth. Periodontitis is the more advanced stage, where the infection has spread below the gum line and begun destroying the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place — this damage is irreversible, though progression can be halted with treatment.
Scale and root planing is performed under local anaesthesia, so the procedure itself is comfortable. Patients typically experience some gum tenderness and sensitivity for 2–5 days afterwards, which is managed with over-the-counter pain relief and a gentle saltwater rinse. Dr. Wilson and Dr. Fu treat one or two quadrants of the mouth per appointment to keep recovery manageable.
Common signs include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, gums that appear red or swollen, and teeth that feel loose or have shifted position. However, moderate-to-advanced periodontitis can be present with very few noticeable symptoms — which is why the periodontal screening performed at every Marketplace Smiles check-up is the most reliable way to detect it early.