If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should make an appointment to see a dentist as soon as possible. There are different stages of gum disease and only a dentist can properly diagnose you. Your best chance at curing gum disease is to catch it early.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common dental issue that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. It is caused by plaque buildup on teeth that can lead to inflammation and infection if left untreated. While gum disease is preventable with good oral hygiene practices, is it always curable once it develops?
However, while people with gum disease may have an increased risk of these problems, there isn’t currently any clear evidence that gum disease directly causes them. 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.
Early Stages of Gum Disease
In the early stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis, the condition is usually reversible with proper dental care. This includes regular brushing and flossing, as well as professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup. With these measures, the gums can heal and the progression of the disease can be halted.
Advanced Stages of Gum Disease
However, if gum disease progresses to the advanced stage, known as periodontitis, the damage done to the gums and bone may not be fully reversible. At this point, treatment focuses on managing the disease and preventing further damage. This may involve deep cleanings, medications, and in severe cases, surgery to repair the damage.
There are a variety of treatments for gum disease, depending on the stage of the disease, how you’ve responded to past treatments, and your overall health. There are a variety of treatments for gum disease, depending on the stage of your disease, how you’ve responded to earlier treatments, and your overall health. Have you seen a bit of blood in your sink when you brush your teeth lately? That bleeding can be one of the first warning signs of gum disease. What it means is that chronically inflamed gum tissue is exposing the root surface of the tooth.
Maintaining Oral Health
While gum disease may not always be completely curable, it can be effectively managed with ongoing dental care. Regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and check-ups, along with diligent at-home oral hygiene practices, are key to preventing gum disease and maintaining oral health. By staying proactive and addressing any signs of gum disease early on, individuals can reduce the risk of irreversible damage and complications.
There may be significant gaps and spaces in the mouth, affecting chewing and overall oral function. Without intervention, this stage can lead to complete loss of the natural teeth, potentially requiring extensive dental treatment such as extractions and dentures. As a result, the bone and ligaments become damaged and destroyed, if the disease is left untreated it can lead to tooth loss.
Oftentimes, periodontists combine pocket reduction surgery with other regenerative procedures, such as bone grafting, gum grafting or guided tissue regeneration. A dentist can tell you if you have gum disease during a routine examination. They’ll look for plaque buildup on your teeth and ask you about your symptoms.
Plaque naturally forms a biofilm on the surface of our teeth after we eat or drink anything with carbohydrates or sugars. For example, medications that have the side effect of causing a dry mouth, or “xerostomia,” can lead to tooth decay. Explore the model using your mouse pad or touchscreen to understand more about periodontal disease. Below is an interactive 3-D model of periodontal disease.
Once your oral hygiene is in order, you can see if you think your gum disease symptoms are improving or not. Early signs of gum disease include swollen, tender and reddish or purplish gums. As the disease worsens, you may notice loose teeth and pus along your gum line.
