Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues, with around 50% of adults in the U.S. suffering from it to some extent. If you want to take your dental hygiene more seriously in the new year, you may be hoping that any gum disease you might have is curable. That may be the case, but it depends on the particulars of your situation. If you want to find out if there are treatments for gum disease, here’s a guide that might help.
Can My Gum Disease Be Cured?
The answer: it depends. While gum disease isn’t “curable” per se, its symptoms are reversible if caught early. Professional intervention, alongside frequent brushing and flossing, can eliminate nearly all the symptoms of mild gum disease. At later stages, however, that’s less possible.
What are the Stages of Gum Disease?
Gum disease progresses in four stages, and your likelihood of treating the disease effectively depends on what phase you’re in.
- Gingivitis: This is the mildest stage of infection. It can be associated with redness, swelling, and bleeding when you floss. If caught at this stage, it’s possible to reverse the symptoms of gum disease completely with regular dental hygiene.
- Mild Periodontitis: At this stage, bacteria have begun to damage the gum tissue and bone that holds your teeth in place. You will need professional intervention to deal with symptoms. This could involve a process called scaling and root planing, where your dentist uses specialized tools to remove tartar from along the gum line.
- Moderate Periodontitis: At this stage, the gums will begin to recede from your teeth, creating pockets below the gum line. This may lead to pus formations or changes to the way your teeth fit together. There may also be bad breath, bleeding gums, or the appearance of longer teeth. Periodontitis at this stage can’t be reversed, it can only be stopped from progressing any further.
- Severe or Advanced Periodontitis: This is the final stage of gum disease, where bone loss has become so significant as to cause the tooth to come loose. In some cases, it may simply be easier to pull the tooth as opposed to waiting for it to fall out naturally. Treatment is likely to involve surgery, antibiotics, and bone/tissue grafts to prevent further decay.
As you can see, the best way to deal with gum disease is to catch it early. If you think you may have gingivitis, schedule a checkup and cleaning with a professional to try and nip the oral infection in the bud. And of course, brush twice a day and floss to prevent gum disease in the first place.
About Our Practice
We at Miller and Wolf Family Dentistry offer all the things one could want from a dentist’s office. From our knowledgeable dental team to our impeccable chairside manner, we work hard to make your experiences with us as positive as they can be. We welcome all kinds of dental insurance, and we provide comprehensive care services to patients of all ages. If you have any questions about treating gum disease, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (434) 324-8241.