Did you know that 2 in 5 adults in the United States are affected by some form of gum disease? Despite its commonality, this disease can still have devastating consequences if left untreated. If you believe you may be suffering from gum disease, seeking treatment as soon as possible is important! Gum disease—or periodontal disease—is an infection of the bone, gums, and surrounding tissues in your mouth. While some are genetically predisposed to gum disease, it is often a result of poor oral hygiene. Early intervention is key to treating gum disease, especially if you wish to reverse its effects. Unfortunately, later stages of gum disease often cause permanent damage. However, by practicing good oral hygiene and seeking treatment at the first sign of trouble, you may be able to reverse the effects of gum disease with professional care!
Early Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Though gum disease has many potential causes, they often have the same results. However, there is a stage of gum disease that is reversible! Before any permanent damage can occur, there is gingivitis.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and its effects are reversible. Signs of gingivitis to watch out for are:
Red gums: If your typically pink gums appear red or swollen, that may be a sign of gingivitis.- Bleeding gums: Bleeding gums may occasionally occur if you brush your teeth too harshly, but they are unusual. Persistent bleeding gums is a sign of a larger problem, often gum disease.
- Bad breath: If you notice persistent bad breath, no matter how many times you brush or chew gum, it may result from gingivitis. The build-up of bacteria and plaque can release an odor if left untreated.
- Tender gums: Just as your gums may be red and bleeding, they may be in pain as well. If brushing your teeth or touching your gums hurts, you may have gingivitis.
If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms, visit us at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center! The key to reversing the effects of gum disease is to catch the infection early on. Unfortunately, many patients like you don’t notice or ignore these warning signs, which can be dangerous for your oral health.
As it progresses, gingivitis becomes periodontitis, a later stage of gum disease with more adverse effects. Periodontitis often presents as pus at the gum line, receding gums, and deep pockets between teeth and gums where bacteria gather. The infection wreaks havoc on your gums and bone, which can result in tooth loss in advanced cases.
How We Reverse Gingivitis
Although the effects of periodontitis are not reversible, the effects of gingivitis are!
The first step to reverse gum disease is to look for the early warning signs and contact your dentist immediately. At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, we take your oral health very seriously and will work with you to formulate a plan to reverse the infection.
With gingivitis, there is no bone loss, so we can focus on cleaning the bacteria and plaque from your mouth. We offer deep cleanings to help you treat the areas of your mouth that are more difficult to reach at home. If the problem persists, we may recommend you visit us more than every 6 months to ensure we stay ahead of the infection.
However, improving oral health care at home is the most important component of reversing gingivitis. East Longmeadow Family Dental Center recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, using a water flosser, and an antibacterial mouthwash. With a simple but effective oral hygiene routine, you’ll be surprised at the dramatic difference in your oral health!
Additional lifestyle changes can also help reverse gum disease, such as quitting smoking and eating healthier. Foods rich in vitamins and calcium help strengthen your gums and help to prevent periodontal infection!
Dealing With the Non-Reversible Effects of Gum Disease
If your gingivitis has advanced to periodontitis, don’t despair! While some effects, like bone, gum, or tooth loss, may not be reversible, we offer treatments that help you manage your infection. More invasive cleanings like scaling and root planning help to combat gum disease by reaching below the gum line to close pocket formations made by bacteria.
If necessary, we also offer gum and bone surgery, replacing lost materials with a surgical graft! Additionally, we provide various options to replace lost teeth. From traditional crowns for individual teeth to conventional dentures to dental implant-supported restorations, we can restore your smile’s function and appearance.
Reclaim Your Oral Health With Gum Disease Treatment ASAP!
Gum disease can have devastating consequences on your oral health, but it doesn’t have to. Watch out for early warning signs and practice good oral hygiene habits to ensure your smile stays healthy. Visiting us at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center routinely and staying aware of the state of your gums are easy ways to prevent gum disease before it happens.
If you think you may have gingivitis, or worse, book a free consultation as soon as possible to reverse the effects and treat your infection!
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