When gum disease in Bonita Springs begins to attack your soft oral tissues, you may wonder if your dentist can cure it. The reality is that if found in its earliest stage (gingivitis), there is a good possibility you can reverse the symptoms and enjoy a healthier, disease-free smile. However, because many patients do not seek treatment until the signs worsen, it often becomes a problem that is managed, not cured. A local dentist shares the various stages of gum disease and what you can do to prevent it in the first place.
When is Gum Disease No Longer Curable?
Gum disease occurs in stages. As it goes on to attack your soft oral tissues, not only will symptoms worsen, but you will begin to notice a difference in the way your teeth feel within your mouth. Not to mention the effects that can occur throughout the rest of your body (i.e. cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illness, neurological disorders).
If you are practicing good oral hygiene habits at home but are beginning to notice your gums appearing red, swollen, and even bleeding while brushing or flossing, you may be suffering from gingivitis. In this initial stage, you and your dentist can work together to reverse your symptoms with regular cleanings and more diligent at-home dental hygiene.
However, once it progresses beyond gingivitis, the symptoms cannot be reversed. Instead, the situation is one that must be managed with gum disease treatment. When dealing with minor periodontitis, the infection spreads, resulting in bone loss as well as bad breath and a change in your bite. Your dentist may even inform you of gum pocket formations that can easily trap bacteria and food particles. At this point, you will undergo scaling and root planing and possible antibiotic therapy.
Should gum disease progress into moderate or severe stages, you can be looking at deeper gum pockets, further deterioration of gum tissue and bone, the potential for tooth loss, and additional health-related problems occurring throughout your body.
Avoiding Gum Disease From the Start
To ensure you never have to experience gum disease, you and your dentist can formulate a plan to keep your teeth, gums, and bone from being affected. You can:
- Establish a thorough oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice daily for two minutes, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash
- Quit smoking and/or using tobacco products
- Stop drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
- Avoid consuming too much sugar or starch
- Continue to see your dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings
Taking these proactive steps to avoid gum disease will not only have a positive impact on your smile, but it will allow you to also improve your body’s overall health, too.
About the Authors
Pelican Landing Dental is a family-friendly dental office that strives to make sure our patients are comfortable and receive high-quality dental care. Our team of expert dental professionals offer a wide range of comprehensive services in one convenient location. Dealing with gum disease? We are proud to offer periodontal therapy to help combat this common problem and prevent worsening overall health issues. We want to help you regain control of your teeth and gums and will walk step-by-step with you through the process to achieve better oral health. To learn more, contact us via the website or call (239) 948-2111.
