Can Gum Disease Be Cured?
If your dentist has diagnosed you with gum disease, you should seek treatment right away. If you do not address this problem quickly, it can become increasingly more serious. The faster you identify this condition, the more likely you are to treat it effectively. With the right intervention at the right time, you can reverse its effects. However, if it continues to develop, the consequences will be irreversible.
An overview of gum disease
At its early stages, this condition is called gingivitis. This is inflammation of the gums as a result of bacteria-causing plaque. Gums will bleed with this condition, usually during brushing but sometimes while the individual eats. Gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease. At this point, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. Infection can then grow in these spaces, affecting other systems of the body.
Signs and symptoms of the disease
A person will usually know they have gum disease by recognizing various clues. Along with inflammation and bleeding, there may be redness in the gums. People with periodontal disease often have bad breath because of the bacteria, which release toxins. Gums will also shrink, and the teeth can become sensitive. Another sign of the condition is that the teeth may become loose or shift.
Treating gingivitis
It is critical to treat gum disease before it turns into periodontitis. Periodontal disease is not reversible, but gingivitis is. The dentist will first start by thoroughly cleaning the gums. Using dental tools, the dentist or hygienist will scrape away plaque and tartar from below the gumline. The dentist may also do something called root planning, which is the smoothing of the surfaces of the tooth roots.
Patients with gingivitis should also be more diligent about brushing and flossing. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily can help turn back this condition. People of all ages should also visit the dentist every six months. If the patient shows signs of gum disease, more frequent visits may be necessary.
More intense methods
While periodontal disease is not curable, it is controllable. Other treatments can help with this along with reversing gingivitis. These include antibiotics, which can kill the bacteria. This medication can come in pill or gel form. The dentist may even choose to do a gum graft or flap surgery.
Long-term effects
Gum disease can have severe consequences. If a dentist does not begin to treat it, the patient could suffer bone loss and tooth loss. The bacteria can get into the bloodstream and move throughout the body. People with this condition can have cardiovascular troubles. Stroked and heart attacks are not uncommon in patients with periodontal disease.
Nothing to put off or ignore
Tooth decay is not the only problem you should worry about when it comes to your oral health. Gum disease can be a concern for your teeth and for other areas of your body. Talk to your dentist today about treating this condition. Do something about it before it is too late to cure.
Request an appointment here: https://stellarsmilesbridgewater.com or call Stellar Smiles Bridgewater at (908) 772-8629 for an appointment in our Bridgewater office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Bridgewater, NJ.
Recent Posts
Like cavities, gum disease is a common dental dysfunction that affects people of all ages. If you are suffering from gum disease, you should not put off getting treatment. Your general dentist has the knowledge and training to relieve the symptoms of this disease. In some cases, the dentist might be able to reverse its…
Dental crowns, or tooth caps, are a common dental restoration for fixing broken, cracked, or decaying teeth. The goal of this dental restoration is to improve the size, shape, strength, and aesthetics of the tooth. Your teeth and the severity of the issue will determine whether the dentist suggests a dental crown for you. In…
You might want to head to a general dentist if you find yourself dealing with a cavity. Cavities are tiny holes that form on teeth because of tooth decay. Acids created by oral bacteria eat away at teeth surfaces, creating those tiny holes. Other symptoms include reoccurring toothaches, increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods,…
Curious about when tooth extractions are needed? Read on to learn more. Tooth extraction is when the tooth is removed completely from its socket. Tooth extraction is hardly a procedure anyone looks forward to, but the majority of the procedures are fast and painless. So do not be alarmed if your dentist starts talking about…