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Can You Reverse Gum Disease?
Can You Reverse Gum Disease?
If your gums are red and swollen and you notice a bit of blood when brushing your teeth, then you may be dealing with gum disease. It's a rather common condition with 46% of adults over 30 years old in the United States suffering from it. But, if left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even systemic health problems.
If you are here, you're probably asking yourself:
Can gum disease be reversed?
The short answer is that it depends on the severity of the condition and the steps taken to address it.
Understanding Gum Disease?
Gum disease usually happens because of poor oral hygiene. When bacteria in the mouth build up, they form a sticky film called plaque. If the plaque is not removed through proper oral hygiene, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. Over time, the bacteria can cause inflammation and infection in the gums, leading to gum disease.
Gum disease occurs in two stages:
The early stage is known as gingivitis. Gingivitis symptoms include gum swelling, redness, and even bleeding. If not treated in time, it can lead to periodontitis, which can damage the tissues and bones that support the teeth, leading to tooth loss.
Can You Reverse Gum Disease?
The good news is that gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be reversed with the help of professional cleaning and proper oral hygiene practices. This simply means brushing after every meal or at least twice a day, flossing every night, and using mouthwash to kill bacteria in the mouth.
However, once gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, it cannot be completely reversed. The damage to the tissues and bones that support the teeth is irreversible.
How to Manage Gum Disease
Although periodontitis cannot be reversed, it doesn't mean that the condition can't be managed. With the help of periodontal care, you can stop the progression of the disease and prevent further damage to the gums and teeth.
Periodontal care often includes:
- Scaling and root planing: The dentist will deep clean your gums to remove plaque and tartar.
- Antibiotics: Medication is also often prescribed to help control bacterial infections in the gums.
- Surgery: In more advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue and bone.
Some Lifestyle Changes Will Be Necessary Too
Once treatment is complete, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene practices and schedule regular dental checkups.
In addition to good oral hygiene habits, you should also make some lifestyle changes such as:
- Quitting smoking: Smoking can increase the chances of developing gum disease. It can also make it more difficult to treat the condition.
- Eating a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help boost the immune system and promote healthy gums.
- Managing stress: Stress can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections.
Are You Dealing with Gum Disease? Call Us Now!
Whether your condition is still in the early stages or it advanced to periodontitis, the team at Pinewood Dentistry can help you manage it.
Get in touch with us, tell us about your problem, and we will devise a personalized oral health care plan for you.