Can You Reverse Gum Disease? What You Need To Know

More than half of all American adults suffer from some form of gum disease. But can you reverse your gum disease and restore your oral health? The answer is “yes,” but only if you catch gum disease early, and act fast to get the care you need. Read on, and get all the details you need in this blog from Downey Park Family Dentistry.

The First Stage Of Gum Disease (Gingivitis) Is Reversible

Most people who have gum disease have gingivitis. This is the first stage of gum disease, which does not cause any permanent damage to the gums, teeth, or jaw bone. With proper care, gingivitis is 100% reversible. You can eliminate the bacterial infection in your gums, and completely restore your oral health.

Wondering if you have gingivitis? There are a few signs that may indicate that you have early stage gum disease. Look for the following symptoms, and contact our dentist in Modesto for a consultation if you recognize them.

• Swollen, puffy gums
• Gum discoloration (dark, reddish, purple gums)
• Halitosis (bad breath) that won’t go away
• Tooth sensitivity
• Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss

Gum Disease Can’t Be Reversed After Gingivitis, But It Can Be Controlled

If you do not get treatment for gum disease, your condition will progress into “periodontitis.” This means that the infection of your gums has caused permanent damage to your gums and teeth and soon, bone loss will result. It will not be possible to fully eliminate gum disease after this point. 

However, it is possible to keep it under control, slowing the progression by receiving the appropriate dental treatments to improve your oral health and reduce the severity of your gum disease. Common symptoms of periodontitis include:

• Gum recession, which makes your teeth look longer
• Pain and discomfort when chewing
• Bone loss

If you still do not get treatment for periodontitis, it will advance into advanced periodontitis. In this stage of gum disease, severe damage has been done to your gums, teeth and bone. You may notice symptoms like:

• A foul taste in your mouth that won’t go away
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• New spaces between your teeth
• Loose teeth, or teeth that fall out completely

Treatments For Reversing And Controlling Gum Disease

No matter what stage of gum disease you may have, proper periodontal care can help you keep it under control, or even reverse it if you have gingivitis. Here are a few of the most common treatments for reversing and controlling gum disease.

• Deep cleaning (scaling & root planing) – In a deep cleaning, Dr. Acree and his Hygiene Team will clean deeply between your teeth to remove the bacteria and plaque between your teeth and gums. This is typically the first procedure that’s used to treat gingivitis and early-stage gum disease.
  
  
• Antimicrobials – Antimicrobial medications help kill bacteria in your mouth, and are used alongside other treatments like deep cleanings to help keep gum disease under control.

• Regular periodontal maintenance – If your gum disease is not reversible, you may also need regular periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months. This is sort of a “mini deep cleaning,” where the team at Downey Park Family Dentistry will clean deeply between your gums and teeth to keep your gum disease under control.

• Good at-home oral hygiene – Along with dental treatments, good at-home oral hygiene is essential for keeping bacteria in check, and keeping your teeth and gums healthy. You’ll need to follow Dr. Acree’s instructions closely to care for your mouth, and prevent your gum disease from coming back or progressing further.
  
  
• Periodontal surgery – In some cases, surgery like gum grafts, bone grafts, or gum flap surgery may be necessary. These surgeries can be used to eliminate bacteria and restore the damage done to your gums, teeth, and jaw bone. This is typically only necessary for more severe cases of gum disease that have caused extensive damage to your mouth.

Don’t Wait – Come To Downey Park Family Dentistry For Gum Disease Treatment Today

At Downey Park Family Dentistry, our experienced Modesto periodontist, Dr. Herrera, is dedicated to providing specialized care for gum diseases. With his expertise and compassionate approach, Dr. Herrera can help patients effectively manage and treat gum disease, ensuring their oral health is in capable hands.

When it comes to gum disease treatment, early intervention is critical.If you think that you might have gum disease in Modesto, contact us online or give Downey Park Family Dentistry a call at (209) 529-0674 to schedule a consultation immediately.