Gum disease is a very common oral health issue that affects nearly half of adults in the United States over the age of 30. If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, you may be wondering whether this is a problem that can be cured or if you’ll have it for the rest of your life. Will a dentist or periodontist be able to get rid of your gum disease? The answer can vary depending on your situation.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar are allowed to build up in your mouth due to poor oral hygiene. The result is an infection of the gum tissue that can grow more severe over time. There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of the condition, and it is often characterized by red, swollen, easily bleeding gum tissue. Periodontitis is the advanced form of gum disease, and it’s associated with gum recession, chronic bad breath, and loose teeth.
Is Gum Disease Curable?
If your gum disease is still in the gingivitis stage, then it may still be possible to reverse it. A professional dental cleaning combined with improved oral hygiene habits can help reduce your inflammation and get the health of your gums back on track.
However, if your gum disease has already turned into periodontitis, then it has passed the point where it can be cured entirely. The good news is that, with the right form of professional treatment, it should still be possible to manage the condition so that it doesn’t cause further damage.
In short, if you want to have a chance of curing your gum disease, you should see a dentist or periodontist as soon as possible. And even if your condition is no longer reversible, you should still have it treated in order to protect your oral health in the long term.
How Can Your Dentist or Periodontist Treat Gum Disease?
There are multiple ways that dentists and periodontists can help address your gum disease. Here are a few examples:
- Scaling and Root Planing: Scaling involves removing the plaque and tartar that contribute to gum disease. Root planing can be performed afterward to smooth out the tooth roots, which makes it harder for bacteria to build up in that area in the future.
- Soft Tissue Laser Treatment: A soft tissue laser can gently remove any gum tissue that has been damaged due to gum disease.
- Antibiotic Treatment: Many dentists and periodontists offer Arestin antibiotic treatment. Arestin consists of microspheres that can be applied to the pockets that have formed between the teeth and gums. The microspheres gradually release medicine that helps fight the harmful bacteria responsible for gum disease.
Gum disease can be a serious threat to your oral health, and it will only grow worse if you don’t take the appropriate steps to get it under control. As soon as you have any reason to think that you might have gum disease, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist or periodontist; they’ll be able to point you toward the treatment option that’s best suited for protecting the health of your smile.
About the Practice
At Blue Coast Dental Group, our team consists of multiple dental specialists, including two highly trained periodontists. Having so many oral health experts under a single roof allows us to offer a wide range of specialized services, such as scaling and root planing, soft tissue laser treatment, and antibiotic treatment for addressing gum disease. If you’re bothered by inflamed or bleeding gums, you can schedule an appointment at our practice in Torrance by visiting our website, using our online booking tool, or calling (310) 424-3100.