Aside from cavities, another widespread oral health issue is gum disease. It affects nearly half of adults over 30 in the U.S., so millions have some form of it. Whether it’s in the early stages or more advanced, the prevalence of it may have you wondering whether your dentist can completely cure it. Here’s what you need to know about this condition and the nuances of treating it.
Gingivitis: Early Stage of Gum Disease
Gum disease is often categorized into two parts, the first being gingivitis. It’s the earliest stage, and it usually happens because of a buildup of bacteria on and around the gumline. The longer they sit, the more likely they are to attack the soft tissue, leading to redness, inflammation, and bleeding when brushing and flossing.
When it’s caught at this point, then it can be cured! Oftentimes, any damage done can be reversed because it was treated as soon as possible. By going to your dentist for a checkup and cleaning, plus a solid oral hygiene routine, you can help get back to a clean slate.
Periodontitis: Mild to Severe Gum Disease
If gingivitis goes untreated, then it can progress into periodontitis. Whether it’s mild or more intense, this is now an advanced form of gum disease, where the infection has gone deeper into these soft tissues.
As it continues, the structures in your mouth can become compromised. Your gums can start to recede, making your teeth feel loose in severe cases. Unfortunately, at this point, damage can’t be reversed. Instead, your dentist will work on preserving your oral health. They do this with treatments like:
- Scaling & Root Planing: This is a deep cleaning that’s designed to remove bacteria in pockets that are underneath your gumline.
- Antibiotic Therapy: Usually used in tandem with the bullet point above, it’s a great way to fight off gum disease outside of a dental practice.
So, Can My Dentist Cure My Gum Disease?
In the end, gum disease can be cured if it’s caught early. You may be able to reverse any damage, but once it progresses, you may only be able to manage it. Doing so will help keep your oral health in the best shape it can be. So, through routine checkups and cleanings, they can keep an eye out for the early warning signs of this condition and help ensure that you have long-term success in treating or avoiding it.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Rose earned his dental degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. He is dedicated to giving the Las Vegas community the highest quality care they deserve through state-of-the-art instruments and techniques. Dr. Rose is happy to help you treat gum disease, using advanced laser therapy that gives you more comfortable treatments. If you bleed when brushing or flossing, schedule an appointment or call his office at (702) 459-8998.