Featured Dentist
Dr. Leonard Hoffenberg
Level 2, 74 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

Gum Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Periodontitis, often referred to as gum disease or periodontal disease, develops when bacteria in the mouth are not effectively controlled. Over time, this bacteria can cause inflammation of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. If left untreated, gum disease may progress and can eventually contribute to tooth loss.

One challenge with gum disease is that it can sometimes advance without obvious discomfort, even in later stages. This is why regular dental check-ups are important, as they can help identify changes early, when the condition is usually more straightforward to manage.

Although gum disease may develop with few noticeable symptoms, there are some warning signs that should not be ignored. These may include:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Receding gums
  • Deep pockets forming between the gums and teeth
  • Loose or shifting teeth
Ask Dr. Hoffenberg call 02 8599 7121
Dr. Leonard Hoffenberg

Common Causes of Gum Disease

Plaque build-up is the primary cause of gum disease. However, there are other factors that may contribute to the development and progression of periodontal conditions, including:

  • A family history of gum disease
  • Medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or other illnesses that affect the immune system
  • Hormonal changes that can make gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation
  • Certain medications that may affect gum tissue health
  • Smoking or tobacco use, which can make it harder for gums to heal
  • Inconsistent oral hygiene practices

If you are concerned about changes in your gums, arranging a dental appointment can help identify whether gum disease is present. Dr. Hoffenberg can examine your gums, take x-rays if needed, and recommend appropriate management based on your condition.

Case Studies*

See actual photos of Dr. Hoffenberg‘s work. We invite you to browse through his case presentations.

*These before-and-after images feature actual patients treated at Dr. Hoffenberg's clinic. He has shared them here with consent and are for informational purposes only. Individual results vary. Outcomes are not guaranteed. All procedures carry risks, including non-surgical procedures like dental veneers. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Treating Gum Disease

There are several approaches that may be considered for managing gum disease:

  • Cleaning – removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line
  • Scaling and root planing – a deep cleaning procedure aimed at reducing bacteria and helping gums reattach more closely to teeth
  • Surgical options – such as flap surgery (pocket reduction), bone grafts to rebuild lost bone, soft tissue grafts to support gum tissue, or guided tissue regeneration to encourage healing
  • Bone surgery – in some cases, surgery may be used to smooth or reshape damaged bone

Not every treatment is appropriate for all patients. The right approach depends on factors such as the extent of gum disease, the health of the supporting bone, and overall medical history. Dr. Hoffenberg will explain the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of each option during your consultation.

What To Expect

When treating gum disease, the primary goal is to encourage the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth while reducing swelling, lowering pocket depth, and helping to limit further infection. Treatment options vary depending on the stage and severity of the condition. Dr. Hoffenberg and his team will discuss suitable approaches with you based on your individual needs.

Non-surgical therapies focus on controlling bacterial growth and supporting gum health. For some patients, procedures such as scaling and root planing can be effective. In other situations, surgical treatment may be recommended to restore supportive tissues and improve stability.

Post Treatment Care

After scaling and root planing, some patients may notice an improvement in gum health, including reduced redness, swelling, or bleeding. Maintaining good oral hygiene at home and attending regular appointments with Dr. Hoffenberg are important steps in supporting ongoing gum health.

It is normal to experience some discomfort or sensitivity following treatment, particularly to temperature changes or sweet foods. These effects are usually temporary and vary between individuals. If you experience significant or persistent pain, it is important to contact Dr. Hoffenberg’s office for further assessment and guidance.

Interactive Gallery*

Move the slider to see before and after photos of Dr. Hoffenberg‘s patients.

Dental Implants & Porcelain Bridge
Full Mouth Reconstruction
Composite Veneers
Porcelain/Ceramic Veneers plus Tooth Whitening

In-Chair Teeth Whitening & Emax Ceramic Crowns

Gum Recontouring, Tooth Whitening, Crowns and Veneers

*These before-and-after images feature actual patients treated at Dr. Hoffenberg's clinic. He has shared them here with consent and are for informational purposes only. Individual results vary. Outcomes are not guaranteed. All procedures carry risks, including non-surgical procedures like dental veneers. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

If you’d like to learn more about gum disease or one of the other services offered by Dr. Hoffenberg, contact his office in or use our convenient online scheduler to book an appointment.

Call Today – Dr. Hoffenberg is Here to Help!

If you would like more information about gum disease management or any other dental concern, contact Dr. Hoffenberg’s office in .

Appointments can be scheduled by calling the practice or using the convenient online booking system.

At your visit, Dr. Hoffenberg will carry out a thorough examination of your oral health, explain the findings in detail, and discuss the available treatment options suited to your individual circumstances. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions, so you can make an informed decision about the next steps in your care.

gum diease treatment dental team
Additional Services

Learn about some of the other services offered by Dr. Hoffenberg

treatment considerations

*Treatment Considerations

Every dental or medical procedure carries potential risks. With cosmetic dentistry, these may include issues such as tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or changes to the natural tooth structure, depending on the type of treatment. Some procedures are not reversible and may require ongoing maintenance or replacement over time. Cosmetic dental procedures, including veneers and whitening are not suitable for patients under 18 years of age and are not advertised to minors. Patients are encouraged to carefully consider both the potential benefits and risks before deciding on treatment. Seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner can also be helpful in making an informed choice. Contact Dr. Hoffenberg's clinic to arrange a consultation or visit his treatment information page for more details.

How to Get to our Dental Clinic

TLC Dental is located in Sydney's CBD at 2/74 Castlereagh Street, conveniently located near Martin Place and the MLC Centre. There is public transport nearby with numerous bus stops and train stations within walking distance. Parking is also available at the MLC Centre, Westfield, or Stockland Piccadilly Shopping Centre. We are only a few minutes walk from places like Circle Quay Ferries, the State Library of New South Wales, Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

Terms & Conditions
Zoom Teeth Whitening Offer
  1. Limit 1 per person and subject to availability
  2. Must be 18 years of age or older to use vouchers
  3. Includes a Free Smile Assessment which must be face to face.
  4. Whitening Smile Deals ™ price includes
    • Before and after written instructions
    • Before and after photos
    • 4 (four) applications for 15 minutes each of Philips Zoom ™ whitening gel as per the recommendations
    • Relief gel for after home care.
  5. Does not include a general dental check-up and clean but can be used with other Smile Deal vouchers such as $199 check-up and clean or the Smile Deal ™ Invisalign voucher for $6500
  6. 24 hour cancellation notice is required if you need to change your appointment time

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risk. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. This offer may change without notice.