Gum disease is a very common problem, and it can often be cured if it is caught early enough. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and if it is treated, the prognosis is good. However, if gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, which is a more serious incurable form of gum disease. In this article, we will discuss the causes of gum disease and how it can be treated.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease (aka periodontal disease) is an infection of the gums and is caused by bacteria that are found in your mouth. It is highly prevalent and can affect up to 90% of the world’s population.
The mildest form of gum disease is gingivitis, which is caused by the buildup of dental plaque on the teeth near the gums. Gingivitis only affects the gums and not the bones supporting your teeth and is reversible if treated. If left untreated, however, gingivitis can develop into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis, which is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Once a patient has developed periodontitis, the disease can no longer be cured, only managed.
Different factors can increase the risk of gum disease. This includes:
- Genetics
- Smoking/Vaping
- Drinking Alcohol
- Lack of Nutrition
- Diabetes
- Stress
In general, the ways that gingivitis can be cured are by controlling the number of bacteria in your mouth, stopping current damage from spreading, and fixing any structural damage to your tooth and jaw.
How Can Gum Disease Be Cured?
Things Patients Can Do to Treat Gingivitis
For patients with gingivitis, there is a variety of things they can do to help cure the disease. These recommendations are all based on controlling the things that increase the chance of gum disease getting worse.
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing and treating gum disease. Brushing helps remove plaque from your teeth, while flossing is essential for getting rid of plaque between your teeth and under the gum line.
- Continuously Educating Yourself on Oral Health: Keeping up with the latest developments in oral health is an integral part of preventing and treating gum disease. Improving your knowledge will help you understand the importance of proper oral hygiene and adopt healthier habits. Just visiting this website is a step in the right direction!
- Reducing Smoking: Smoking (and vaping) are some of the leading causes of gum disease, so reducing or quitting is essential for treating and preventing gingivitis.
- Eating Healthily: Oral health and overall health are connected, so eating a healthy diet is important for preventing gum disease.
- Visiting your dentist: Regular checkups with your dentist are important for detecting and treating gum disease early.
How Dentists Cure Gum Disease
Dentists are also essential for the treatment of gum disease. They have the tools and experience to do more advanced procedures that ensure sure your gum is being treated correctly and effectively. Depending on the severity of your case, they might recommend any of the following treatments:
- Removing Bacteria From The Mouth: Dentists can provide scaling and root planing (SRP), a deep cleaning of the teeth and gums that is especially effective for treating gum disease. The procedure is done under a local anesthetic and is designed to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and roots.
- Prescribing Antibiotic Drugs: SRP can be combined with other treatments, including antibiotics. However, these are typically only prescribed when patients have more severe symptoms, such as a fever.
- Restoring the Look of Your Teeth: If gum disease has affected the appearance of your mouth, dentists can provide restorative procedures to help repair this damage. Most likely, this involves removing defective prostheses/restorations and replacing them. In cases of advanced gum disease where a hole forms between your teeth and gums, dentists can also utilize periodontal surgery to reduce this detachment, perform pinhole gum surgery, and stimulate the regeneration of your gums.
Conclusion
Overall, gum disease is a very treatable condition if it is caught early enough. It is important to visit your dentist regularly and practice good oral hygiene to prevent gum disease from getting worse. If you have any symptoms of gum disease, be sure to contact your dentist right away so they can provide the treatment you need. With the right care, you can get your gums back in good health and keep them that way.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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