Can Gum Disease Be Cured? Insights From the Experts

Feb 19

Some forms of gum disease are reversible, but treatment effectiveness depends heavily on the stage of the disease. Cures for gum disease in the traditional sense don’t apply to this condition, as the disease can progress to the point of bone loss or result in gums that can’t grow back.

However, periodontitis (late-stage gum disease) can be managed and stabilized with treatment and preventive care.

“Once a patient has progressed to the advanced stages of periodontitis, including bone loss or tooth loss, preventive measures may no longer be effective.”

Can You Cure Gum Disease? A Word From A Periodontist

In some cases, yes, you can cure gum disease. Gum disease has two primary stages, gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontitis can be further identified by three phases: mild, moderate, and advanced.

This is an infection and inflammation of the tissue that supports the teeth. This is usually caused by plaque build-up due to poor oral hygiene. Additional risk factors include genetics, patients who smoke or use tobacco, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune conditions, and hormonal shifts.

The early stages of gum disease, or gingivitis, can be reversed or cured. Gingivitis is characterized by symptoms that include:[1]

Puffy gums
Gum discoloration (Bright red, dark red)
Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing
Tender gums
Bad breath

The various stages of periodontitis are characterized by symptoms that include:[2]

Red or purple gums
Bleeding and sore gums
Chronic bad breath
Chronic unpleasant taste
Painful to chew
Receding gums
Inexplicably loose teeth
Teeth positions change

Once a patient has progressed to the advanced stages of periodontitis, including bone loss or tooth loss, preventive measures may no longer be effective. More invasive treatments, like surgery and implants, may be required.

Can You Get Bad Breath From Gum Disease?

Yes, halitosis or chronic bad breath is a common symptom of gingivitis and periodontitis, which can be an embarrassing symptom for many people. Regular professional cleanings and consistent oral care can help reduce both bad breath and gum disease.

Effective Gum Disease Treatment

The most effective cure for gum disease is preventive care. This requires good oral hygiene, regular dental cleanings, and professional care.

The most significant struggle with periodontitis is loose teeth or bone loss. This narrows the focus to which treatments will be effective in repairing and slowing the progression.

Options for periodontitis and gum disease treatment in Cedar Park include:[3]

Regular professional cleanings
Subgingival scaling or root planing (deep cleaning of roots)
Antibiotics (only for some cases)
Surgical solutions (small cuts in the gums, flap surgery)
Ongoing care

Surgical Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Bacteria and plaque hide in periodontal pockets, leading to inflammation, soreness, bleeding, and more. Sometimes, regular cleaning or deep scaling treatments are sufficient to eliminate the bacteria.

In some more severe cases, the periodontal pockets don’t heal or shrink after scaling and root planing. As pockets remain enlarged, they create a breeding ground for bacteria, which can further attack bone and tissue.

This is when surgery will be recommended to remove inflamed tissue and reduce bone damage. Surgery allows the periodontist to access hard-to-reach areas under the gums and along the roots.

Eliminating hidden bacteria and stimulating bone and tissue growth helps reduce pockets and repair damage caused by the disease's progression. Your periodontist may also recommend a bone or gum graft to regenerate lost bone and tissue.

What Other Health Issues Can Periodontal Disease Influence?

The most serious issue related to gum disease and periodontal disease is tooth loss; however, other complications can include:[4]

Inflammation may worsen insulin resistance, obesity, and hypertension
Systemin inflammation may influence Alzheimer's disease
Severe periodontal disease is linked to lower infant birth rates

How To Get Rid of Gum Disease: Tips For Good Gum Care

Gum disease can be managed and prevented with good oral hygiene and regular professional care. To take good care of your gums, do the following:

Thoroughly brush twice every day
Floss once a day to remove plaque from deep between teeth
Schedule regular dental cleanings (twice per year at least)
Get yearly dental checkups, more if recommended by your periodontist

Periodontal Disease Is Common: The Solutions Are Simple and Effective

Maintain strong oral care and attend regular professional cleanings to maintain gum health and reduce the risk of advancing symptoms. For treating periodontal disease in Cedar Park, Central Texas Periodontics is the place to go.

If you notice any of the early signs of gum disease or periodontal disease, schedule an evaluation as soon as possible. Our periodontists are highly experienced and trained to diagnose and treat existing periodontal disease and to provide preventive care. Call today to learn more.

Sources

[1]https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354453

[2]https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21482-gum-periodontal-disease

[3]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279592/

[4]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554590/#article-26983.s13