If you’ve been battling bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth, you’re not alone — and it’s not something to ignore. These are more than just minor oral health issues. They’re signs that your gums and underlying bone may be under attack. And if left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and a serious impact on your health and confidence.

But here’s the good news: there are solutions. And even if you’ve already lost multiple teeth, modern treatment options like All-on-4® dental implants can restore your smile and protect your long-term health.

Let’s explore how gum disease works, how it’s treated, why it causes bad breath, and what your long-term options really are.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease — also known as periodontal disease — is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It usually starts with gingivitis, the earliest stage, where gums become red, swollen, and may bleed when brushing. If ignored, it can advance to periodontitis, where the infection spreads deeper and begins to damage the bone that supports your teeth.

Over time, this causes teeth to loosen or fall out — and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Bad Breath: The Warning Sign You Can’t Ignore

Persistent bad breath — or halitosis — is often one of the earliest and most embarrassing signs of gum disease. That’s because bacteria in the gum pockets release foul-smelling compounds that no amount of mouthwash or mints can mask.

If you’ve noticed a lingering bad taste or odour in your mouth, it could be more than just food or dry mouth — it may be an early sign of infection.

Is Gum Disease Contagious?

Gum disease itself isn’t considered contagious in the way a cold or flu is, but the bacteria that cause it can be transferred through saliva. This means activities like sharing utensils, kissing, or even blowing on food could potentially pass harmful bacteria to others, especially if their oral hygiene is already compromised.

While gum disease is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene, lifestyle factors, and genetics, being aware of the bacterial aspect is important. If one family member has active gum disease, it’s a good idea for others in the household to also monitor their gum health and maintain excellent hygiene routines.

The best defence? Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits — not just for your own health, but to protect those close to you as well.

Can Gum Disease Be Reversed? How to Treat It Before It’s Too Late

Gum disease is progressive, which means the treatment depends on what stage it’s in. Acting early makes a huge difference — and might even save your teeth.

Stage 1: Gingivitis (Reversible)

• Symptoms: Redness, swelling, bleeding gums

• At-Home Tips:

  • Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush

  • Floss or use interdental brushes daily

  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash (chlorhexidine-based)

• When to See a Professional:

  • Bleeding persists more than 2 weeks

  • Gums remain swollen or sore

• In-Clinic Treatment:

  • Professional scale and clean (removes plaque and tartar buildup)

Stage 2: Early Periodontitis (Needs Active Management)

• Symptoms: Persistent bleeding, mild gum recession (due to early bone loss), bad breath

• Treatment:

  • Deep cleaning (also called gum treatment or root planing)

  • Regular 3 to 4 monthly monitoring by your dentist

Stage 3: Moderate to Advanced Periodontitis

• Symptoms: Loose teeth, bone loss, receding gum, gum abscesses, pain when chewing

• Treatment:

  • Surgical deep cleaning

  • May need specialist referral (Periodontist); however longevity may be questionable in more severe cases.

  • Possible removal of teeth and discussion of teeth replacement options such as dentures, bridges, or dental implants

Important note: While good oral hygiene helps slow progression, advanced gum disease cannot be reversed at home. Early detection and professional treatment are the key.

Can You Tell If You Have Gum Disease at Home?

Yes — to some extent. Here’s a quick at-home checklist:

Do your gums bleed when brushing or flossing?

Do you wake up with a bad taste in your mouth?

Are your gums shrinking or teeth looking longer?

Do your teeth feel loose or sensitive when chewing?

If you answered yes to any of these, it’s time to speak to a dentist. Gum disease often advances silently — by the time your teeth feel loose or painful, the damage may already be serious.

When It’s Too Late to Save Your Teeth: What’s Next?

For many patients, the damage caused by advanced gum disease or periodontitis has already reached a point where saving their natural teeth is no longer possible. They may have lost multiple teeth or been told that extractions are inevitable. At this stage, the conversation naturally shifts — from “How do I save my teeth?” to “How do I get my smile, function, and confidence back?”

The good news? You don’t have to live with dentures or missing teeth forever. At The Point Dental, one of the most common and life-changing procedures we offer is All-on-4® dental implants — a full-mouth teeth replacement solution that restores a secure, natural-looking smile supported by just four implants per arch.

All-on-4®: The Long-Term Fix for Tooth Loss from Gum Disease

All-on-4® is a breakthrough in full-mouth teeth replacement. Instead of relying on removable dentures, this treatment uses just four implants per arch to support a fixed bridge of natural-looking teeth.

Even if you’ve lost bone due to gum disease, All-on-4® may still be possible, thanks to angled implant placement that avoids bone grafting in many cases. 

For patients with advanced gum disease, this treatment offers even more advantages: we remove all infected teeth and clean the mouth thoroughly on the same day of surgery, with no waiting time between extractions and implant placement. That means you walk away with a fresh start, and a new smile, in as little as 1 to 3 days.

In severe cases where bone loss is too extensive for standard All-on-4® implants, we also offer more advanced solutions such as zygomatic and pterygoid implants. 

We know every patient is different, which is why we take the time to walk you through all your options, including dentures, overdentures, and All-on-4®, so you can make a fully informed decision that suits your health, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Click here to explore your full-mouth teeth replacement options and discover what might be right for you.

Why All-on-4® Dental Implants Work So Well for Patients with Gum Disease History

• No need for bone grafting — thanks to angled implant placement

• Immediate function — walk out with fixed teeth in 1–3 days

• Stabilises and preserves remaining bone

• Feels and looks natural — no slipping, clicking, or removing dentures

• Easy to clean and maintain with professional guidance

Even if you’ve been told “you’re not suitable for implants,” All-on-4® might still be an option, especially at a high-skill clinic like The Point Dental.

At The Point Dental, we use advanced digital planning and offer general anaesthesia (sleep dentistry) to ensure your experience is safe, precise, and comfortable.

Click here to learn how our sleep dentistry options can make your experience completely stress-free.

Ready to Stop the Cycle of Gum Disease, Bad Breath and Tooth Loss?

At The Point Dental, we’ve helped countless patients who thought they had no options left. If you’re tired of dealing with bad breath, gum pain, loose teeth, or uncomfortable dentures, it’s time to explore what’s possible.

• Get a proper diagnosis

• Understand your full-mouth replacement options

• See if you qualify for All-on-4® — even with past bone loss

Click here to book your complimentary consultation with our expert team at The Point Dental. We’ll guide you through every step — from diagnosis to new smile — with compassion and precision.