People with more aggressive forms of gum disease might be asked to take antibiotics after treatment. If the disease has already destroyed some of the support for your teeth we also remove bacteria and calculus from under the gum. This involves the careful use of cleaning instruments on the tooth surfaces. Your dentist may also recommend antimicrobial mouthwash You swish this in your mouth as part of your daily brushing routine to help control bacteria. It’s available both by prescription and over the counter.
If other treatments do not help, a dentist may recommend periodontal surgery. How often a person needs treatment will depend on how much plaque and tartar accumulate. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Brushing gets rid of plaque on the surfaces of the teeth that can be reached. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
During this procedure, your periodontist uses a tiny laser to remove diseased tissue and kill bacteria under your gums. In some cases, providers recommend laser therapy as an alternative to traditional gum surgery. Unlike traditional gum surgery, laser therapy doesn’t require incisions or sutures. Removing teeth might be a treatment option if your gum disease is severe.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth. It is caused by bacteria in plaque that builds up on teeth and gums. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health issues. But the question remains: can gum disease be cured?
The bacteria that cause gingivitis are transmissible from one person to another. So, even though experts agree that gingivitis itself isn’t contagious, people who have the condition can spread bacteria through saliva-to-saliva contact. Almost half of all adults older than 30 have some kind of gum disease. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contain growth factors that speed up healing and tissue regeneration. A periodontist can get PRF and PRP from a small sample of your blood.
The Stages of Gum Disease
There are two main stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the milder form and can usually be reversed with professional dental cleanings and good oral hygiene at home. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is much more serious and can cause irreversible damage to the gums and bones that support the teeth.
Your mouth is full of bacteria that combine with saliva to form a sticky film known as plaque, which builds up on your teeth. You may need to visit your dentist more frequently if you’ve had problems with gum disease in the past. At each appointment your dentist will advise when you need your next appointment.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist will recommend a treatment plan based on the severity of your condition. In the case of gingivitis, professional cleanings, improved oral hygiene habits, and possibly antibiotics may be all that is needed to reverse the condition. For more advanced cases of periodontitis, treatments like scaling and root planing, gum surgery, and bone grafts may be necessary to stop the progression of the disease and save the affected teeth.
If you have severe gum disease, you may need further treatment, such as periodontal surgery. In some cases, it’s necessary to remove the affected tooth. Your dentist will be able to tell you about the procedure needed and how it’s carried out. To remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that can build up on your teeth, your dentist may suggest that you have your teeth scaled and polished.
” The fantastic news is, at this stage, gum disease is curable! Bleeding gums are something many people notice when brushing their teeth or flossing, however, healthy gums rarely bleed. As well as oral hygiene advice and dental treatments, treatments for ANUG may also include antibiotics, painkillers and different types of mouthwash. It’s important to have regular dental check-ups so any problems with your teeth and gums can be detected and treated early.
While gum disease cannot technically be “cured” in the sense that it can never come back, it can be effectively managed with proper treatment and ongoing maintenance. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, along with good oral hygiene habits at home, can help prevent gum disease from worsening and keep your smile healthy for years to come.
