When it comes to oral health, most people think about teeth first: whiter smiles, straighter alignment, fewer cavities. But what about your gums?
In a recent conversation between Gregory Gray and Dr Gita Auplish, the spotlight turned to an often-overlooked condition: gum disease. Silent, progressive, and deeply connected to overall health, gum disease is far more than just a dental issue. It is an invisible epidemic that quietly affects millions, yet remains misunderstood and under-discussed.
The truth is, your gums are the foundation of your smile. Without healthy foundations, the “building” will eventually crumble, no matter how beautiful the exterior looks. As Gita puts it:
“I can make you look like a supermodel, but I care more about making you healthy first. That’s the only ethical way forward.”
Gum health, she says, isn’t merely a cosmetic concern; it’s the cornerstone of lasting oral and systemic wellness. Without strong, healthy gums, even the brightest smile can’t truly thrive.
Gita describes gum disease as a “silent epidemic.” Millions of people around the world suffer from it without even realising. Because the condition progresses quietly, many patients only seek help once the damage is advanced. By then, they may already have lost bone support around their teeth or be at risk of tooth loss.
“Gum disease is a silent epidemic. It can go unnoticed for years, and by the time people come to see us, they’ve often already lost bone around their teeth.”
This quiet progression is what makes gum disease so dangerous. The bacteria responsible for it create chronic inflammation that doesn’t just stay in your mouth; it spreads through the bloodstream and can impact the rest of the body.
Untreated gum disease can cause tooth loss, pain, and difficulty eating. But more importantly, it contributes to systemic inflammation, which has been linked to many chronic conditions.
Healthy gums are not just about keeping your teeth in place; they play a vital role in your overall health.Chronic inflammation from gum disease has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and even certain autoimmune conditions. Research continues to uncover just how interconnected our oral and systemic health truly are.
“The mouth reflects overall health and emotional well-being,” says Gita. “If the body is inflamed, the gums will be inflamed. It’s all connected.”
She often describes the mouth as a window into the body, an early warning system for what might be happening internally. Hormonal changes, stress, and immune system imbalances frequently show up first in the gums. That’s why early intervention is so critical. The first sign, bleeding when you brush or floss, should never be ignored. Healthy gums don’t bleed.
One of the most powerful insights Gita shares is that periodontics, the branch of dentistry focused on gum health, is about treating systems, not symptoms.
“We’re treating systems, not symptoms,” she explains. “Gum disease doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s influenced by diet, stress, sleep, and overall health.”
This holistic approach looks at how lifestyle and medical factors influence gum health. For example, a patient with uncontrolled diabetes will struggle to heal, while chronic stress can elevate inflammation throughout the body. Sometimes, Gita even recommends simple blood tests to check blood sugar levels or white blood cell counts to understand what’s driving the problem. “If the body is inflamed, the gums will be inflamed,” she says.
Early detection and consistent care are key. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is completely reversible. Once it progresses, however, the goal becomes stabilisation. With specialist care and ongoing maintenance, gums can remain healthy and stable for decades.
“I’ve had patients stable for more than 25 years,” says Gita. “They feel cured because their gums are strong and not progressing, and that’s exactly what we want.”
Modern dental technology has revolutionised how gum disease is diagnosed and treated. Tools like 3D intraoral scanning and cone beam CT imaging allow for detailed, comfortable, and highly accurate assessments, replacing the messy impressions of the past.
“Technology doesn’t replace expertise, but it enhances it. It makes diagnostics, planning, and treatment more accurate, efficient, and comfortable for patients.”
With these technologies, dentists can monitor gum health year after year, identifying subtle changes early. But even with all the innovation, Gita believes the most powerful tools in dentistry are empathy and communication.
“You’re here now. Well done. Let’s move forward. Shame isn’t going to help anyone. Positivity will.”
Many patients arrive at the clinic feeling anxious or embarrassed. Gita’s approach is to replace shame with encouragement and fear with knowledge.
“Imagine if someone on the street came up and touched your face, you’d jump away. Yet in the dental chair, patients allow me to come that close with sharp instruments. That’s a huge amount of trust, and it’s something I never take lightly.”
Trust and human connection, she believes, are what truly make great dentistry possible.
Behind every great result is collaboration. At Bandlish & Auplish Dental, teamwork sits at the heart of patient care. Periodontists, hygienists, and restorative dentists work side by side to deliver comprehensive, cohesive treatment.
“A collaborative dental team enhances patient experience and outcomes,” Gita explains. “We learn from each other and build continuity, and patients can feel that.”
This continuity of care creates what she calls the “dental family,” a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the treatment room. Patients are guided through every stage of their journey, from prevention to maintenance, always supported by familiar faces and consistent care.
“I treat people, not pockets,” says Gita. “Dentistry is deeply personal. Patients want to feel safe, understood, and respected, and that’s the foundation of great care.”
The message is simple yet powerful: gum disease is preventable, manageable, and worth caring about early. Bleeding gums, sensitivity, or bad breath are not normal. They’re signs your body is asking for attention. Addressing these signs early can prevent long-term complications, preserve your smile, and protect your health.
“The important thing is you’re here now. Let’s move forward.”
Healthy gums aren’t just about keeping your teeth. They’re about your confidence, your wellbeing, and your whole-body health.
Ready to protect your foundation? Book your consultation at Bandlish & Auplish. Prevention starts today.
Fill in the form and our friendly team will be in touch with you monumentarily
Highly recommend Bandlish & Auplish. My treatment plan and recommended follow ups were explained clearly. Nicole in reception was just as pleasant in person as she was on the phone! The practice envir... Read More
Thank you to Dr. Annie for recently treating my tooth and doing a filling. The whole experience was excellent — her professional skills and advice really helped me feel less nervous. She also follow... Read More
I’ve been using Bandlish & Auplish since 2022 and always have a great experience. I am very grateful for the care I received from Gita, Bobby and Rosie. Highly recommended!
For a first visit to Banglish & Auplish I found them highly proffessional. I also liked the way that they took the time revisit and walkthrough any background of treatments that they felt I may need t... Read More
I had periodontal treatment with Dr Gita which I cannot fault. My experience from start to finish was stress free and seamless. Everybody made me feel very welcome and assured, nothing was too much tr... Read More
