Your Gums Are
The Foundation
Gum disease and persistent bad breath share a common cause — bacterial infection below the gumline. We treat the source, not the symptoms.
The Foundation
Gum disease and persistent bad breath share a common cause — bacterial infection below the gumline. We treat the source, not the symptoms.
Why It Matters
More Common Than You Think
47% of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease — most without knowing it. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and research increasingly links it to systemic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Bad breath (halitosis) affects 1 in 4 adults. In 90% of cases, it originates in the mouth — usually from bacteria at or below the gumline. Mouthwash and gum mask the odour temporarily; treating the bacterial source eliminates it.
At Edgemont Dental, we offer comprehensive assessment and treatment for both conditions — identifying the exact cause and treating it directly, not just managing symptoms.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that appear red or swollen
- Gum recession (teeth looking longer)
- Loose teeth or shifting bite
- Toothache at the gumline
Our Gum Disease Services
Gum Disease
Periodontal Treatment
Comprehensive assessment, scaling and root planing, antimicrobial therapy, and ongoing maintenance to stop gum disease and prevent bone loss.
Protocol
4-step treatment protocol
Maintenance
3–4 month intervals
Bad Breath
Halitosis Treatment
Diagnosis of the exact bacterial source — whether on the tongue, between teeth, or below the gumline — followed by targeted treatment and a customised home care protocol.
Approach
Source-targeted treatment
Availability
Same-day assessment
Who Is at Risk
Known Risk Factors
Tobacco Use
Smoking or chewing tobacco dramatically increases gum disease risk and masks bleeding — a key early warning sign.
Diabetes
Diabetics are 3× more likely to develop gum disease, and untreated gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control.
Medications
Certain medications (anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, immunosuppressants) can cause gum overgrowth.
Genetics
Some patients are genetically predisposed to aggressive periodontal disease regardless of oral hygiene quality.
Oral–Systemic Link
Beyond Your Mouth
2x Heart Disease Risk
Patients with periodontitis have twice the risk of heart disease compared to those with healthy gums.
3x Harder to Control
Uncontrolled gum disease makes blood sugar 3× harder to control in diabetic patients.
28% Preterm Risk
Pregnant women with gum disease have a significantly higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
Our Process
What to Expect
01
Periodontal Assessment
We measure pocket depths, check for bleeding, and take x-rays to assess bone levels. Most patients are unaware of the extent of their gum disease until this assessment.
02
Personalised Treatment Plan
Based on findings, we recommend the right level of intervention — from a professional deep clean to full scaling and root planing.
03
Active Treatment
Whether treating gum disease, bad breath, or both, we address the bacterial source directly — not the symptoms.
04
Maintenance Protocol
Ongoing care appointments every 3–4 months keep conditions under control and protect long-term oral health.
FAQ
Common Questions
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis (the earliest stage) is fully reversible. Advanced periodontitis can be controlled and stabilised but not reversed — the goal is managed remission through regular maintenance.
Is bad breath always caused by gum disease?
Not always, but it's the most common cause. Other sources include bacteria on the tongue, dry mouth, certain foods, and (rarely) systemic conditions. We assess all potential sources.
How often should I have a periodontal check-up?
If you've had gum disease, every 3–4 months. For patients with healthy gums, regular 6-month check-ups include a periodontal assessment.
Healthy Gums Start Here
Book a gum assessment — we'll tell you exactly where you stand and how to fix it.