Can You Reverse Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that can cause irreversible damage to the mouth. If left unchecked, gum disease can cause the gums to pull back and even lead to permanent tooth loss.

As a result, it’s essential to get treatment for gum disease as soon as you notice the signs. But if the condition is more advanced, can its effects be reversed? Well, the short answer is: yes, sometimes. 

Keep reading to get the full picture.

When Gum Disease Can Be Reversed

Gum disease is a progressive condition, meaning the symptoms will start off slow and become more apparent the more time goes on. In its early stages, gum disease is called “gingivitis”, and patients usually notice some mild pain around their teeth, or slight bleeding when brushing.

If caught in this stage, the effects of gum disease can be successfully reversed with a combination of in-office treatments and some changes to your oral hygiene habits.

Dr. Stephen Woodall will thoroughly clean the teeth to remove all traces of plaque and tartar, which allow harmful bacteria to attack the gums and cause inflammation. This, in combination with flossing and properly brushing your teeth at least two times a day should be enough to treat your gingivitis.

How Are More Severe Cases of Gum Disease Treated?

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If the gingivitis is left unchecked, it can eventually evolve into periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease that can cause irreversible damage to your oral health:

• Loose teeth
• Retracted gums (which makes your teeth look longer)
• Bone loss in the jaw area, etc.

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Unfortunately, periodontitis cannot be reversed, but its effects can be treated through several procedures that may be able to restore your oral health:

• Deep cleaning - This is used to remove extensive plaque and tartar from the mouth, which is common for people who suffer from periodontitis;

• Antibiotics - Cleanings may not be enough to resolve the issue. Serious infections will require antibiotic treatment, usually in gel form applied directly to the gums;

• Flap surgery - It involves surgically lifting the gums to remove all bacteria lying underneath. After the procedure, the gums are fitted back around the teeth;

• Graft surgery - If you have gums and bone loss, you may need a graft to restore these tissues;

• Tooth replacement - Gum disease may cause teeth to break or fall off, in which case you may need to consider some tooth replacement procedures such as dental bridges, or even contacting a Thousand Oaks dental implant specialist if your gums heal from the periodontitis.

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Get Pristine Periodontal Care at Stephen Woodall Family Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry

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If you suspect you may be dealing with gum disease, Dr. Stephen Woodall can help restore your oral health and prevent the disease from permanently affecting your teeth. Frequent preventative dental care appointments can also help.

Book a consultation at Stephen Woodall Family Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry online, or call us at 805-496-9775 for more information about our services.

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