Gum disease often starts off mild, but it can eventually lead to serious complications such as tooth loss. In some situations, you may be able to reverse your gum disease if you act quickly enough. But is there a point where this is no longer possible? And if so, what can you do to protect your smile? Here’s what you need to know when it comes to getting your gum disease under control.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissues around the roots of your teeth. It often occurs when harmful bacteria are allowed to accumulate as a consequence of poor oral hygiene.
There are two main stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is associated with relatively mild symptoms, such as swollen or bleeding gum tissue. Meanwhile, periodontitis is the more advanced form of gum disease, and it can result in pus along the gumline, significant gum recession, and loose teeth.
When Is It Too Late to Reverse Gum Disease?
If your gum disease is still in the gingivitis stage, you may be able to reverse it by improving your oral hygiene. This typically means brushing two times a day, flossing once a day, and undergoing a thorough dental cleaning.
Once gingivitis turns into periodontitis, it can no longer be completely cured. However, if you take the right steps to manage it, you can prevent it from growing worse and protect your smile from additional damage.
What Can You Do to Treat Gum Disease?
A periodontist can diagnose your gum disease and determine how severe it currently is. Then they can explain what treatment options are available for improving the health of your gums.
In many cases, you may require a deep cleaning procedure. A deep cleaning consists of scaling and root planing. During scaling, the plaque and tartar contributing to your gum disease are carefully removed; your periodontist will particularly focus on cleaning the hard-to-reach area beneath the gumline. After that, root planing is performed to smooth out the tooth roots. This aids with the healing process and lowers the risk of future infection.
Even if your gum disease is no longer reversible, it’s never too late to have it treated. The sooner you reach out to your periodontist, the sooner they can help you figure out what steps you need to take to improve your gum health.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman went to the University of Tennessee for his Masters of Dental Surgery in periodontology. He is a leader for the International Team for Implantology, and he has been named a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. At Handsman & Haddad Periodontics, he offers scaling and root planing for patients in Worcester who are suffering from advanced gum disease. If you’re worried about the health of your gums, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Handsman by visiting his website or calling (508) 753-5444.
