15 Feb Is Gum Disease Reversible?

Gum disease is a type of infection that occurs in the tissue surrounding your teeth, and is also called periodontitis. As it progresses, gum disease can cause this tissue to pull back, slowly exposing more and more of the tooth’s root.

Over time, gum disease can cause serious complications, and even lead to tooth loss. It’s why taking care of your gum health is just as important as taking care of your teeth.

But if you have gum disease and are already experiencing some of its effects, can this condition be reversed?

Unfortunately, the short answer is no. If your gums have pulled back from the tooth, there is no way to reverse it and grow them back. However, you do have some treatment options that can restore the health of your gums and teeth.

Who Can Get Gum Disease?

Anyone can develop gum disease. Certain factors can increase your risk for this condition, such as:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking
• Improper nutrition
• Age 
• Genetics
• Certain illnesses (such as diabetes) or medication, etc.

Can You Spot Gum Disease?

With gum disease, the sooner you get treatment the better, as you can stop the condition from getting worse, even from becoming periodontitis. Some common symptoms of gum disease include:

• Mild gum bleeding
• Swollen gums that are tender to the touch
• Longer-looking teeth
• Constant bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Change in tooth position and bite, etc.

You should know that these changes usually appear gradually, meaning they can easily be overlooked in the beginning, and only become really visible when the condition has progressed. Routine dental visits coupled with a strong oral hygiene routine are the best ways to protect your gums from this infection.

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

Gum disease treatment will depend on the extent of the damage. In most cases, treatments begin with a deep cleaning of the teeth, to remove the bacteria that is affecting the gums. Unlike regular professional cleaning, deep cleaning will go under the gum line (a procedure known as scaling) to remove the tartar from above and below the gum line.

After this, some treatment options can include:

• Medication to treat the infection
• Gum graft surgery
• Flap surgery, etc.

The dentist will decide the best course of action for your specific case. These procedures can help stop gum disease from progressing and causing more permanent damage to your teeth, such as tooth loss.

Access the Best Periodontal Care at Smile Society General Dentistry

Gum disease can quickly get worse and affect the integrity of your smile, so act swiftly. If you suspect you might have this infection, or simply know you’re long overdue an appointment, we at Smile Society General Dentistry can help.

Please book your consultation with Dr. Munira Sulaiman or Dr. Mandeep Singh online, or call us directly at (609) 779-2054 to find out more about our services.