HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Gum disease
Matenga pae
Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection when dental plaque builds up on the teeth.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums that looks red and bleeds easily.
Periodontitis is when the tissues and bone around teeth gets inflamed and damaged, which can lead to tooth loss.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- New Zealand Dental Association – Gum disease
The New Zealand Dental Association explains what gum disease is and how it's treated.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed March 2022.
See also:
Review key: HICPA-75368
