Gum disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding teeth. When left untreated, gum disease can result in devastating consequences of a person’s oral health, which in turn can have consequences on their general health. When someone is diagnosed with gum disease or notices the signs, their first question is always: how do I cure it? If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease or think you may have it, read on to learn more about it and how to cure it.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar between the gums and teeth. Over time, this buildup leads to pockets between the gum and teeth. Bacteria grows in these pockets and eventually infects the surrounding tissue.
There are 3 stages of gum disease, each of which causing more severe symptoms and consequences. The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterized by the general inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding teeth. Often gingivitis is identified by bleeding when brushing and flossing. The second stage of gum disease is periodontitis. Periodontitis is characterized by worsening symptoms and the spread of bacterial infection in the tissues surrounding the teeth. Periodontitis often results in receding gums, more aggressive bleeding in the mouth, painful teeth and gums, misalignment in bite, or the presence of pus between the teeth and gums. The final stage of gum disease is aggressive periodontitis. Aggressive periodontitis occurs when the bacterial infection has begun spreading uncontrolled in the mouth and affects the bone and gum tissues more severely. This often results in tooth loss and bone loss.
How do I cure gum disease?
Gum disease is most easily cured in its earliest stages through prevention. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits will often keep gum disease at bay. When signs of gum disease begin to occur, a deep cleaning and extra attention to oral hygiene practices will often cure it. The earliest stages of gum disease are reversible when treated as soon as possible.
When gum disease progresses to the second and third stages of periodontitis, it is much harder to cure. Some of the damage caused by the gum disease is irreversible. As with the first stage, the sooner it is addressed, the more likely it can be treated and cured. Dentists will often perform deep cleanings using scaling and root planing to try and clear away the bacteria, plaque, and tartar. They will also recommend a periodontal cleaning plan which requires more specialized cleanings every 3 months instead of 6. In more aggressive cases, the dentist may use laser treatments, gum grafts, or antibiotics to treat the gum disease with the hope of slowing or stopping its spread. When gum disease reaches its most damaging phases, it is often not curable but can only be kept from spreading further instead. During these last stages, dentists will often try to slow the spread and treat the damage caused.
What is the bottom line?
The bottom line is that gum disease is more easily cured early on in its progression. If you notice the signs of gum disease forming, see a dentist right away.