Gum disease is a common problem, affecting half of adults in the United States. The older an adult is, the more likely they are to have experienced gum disease, whether the more mild gingivitis, or the more advanced periodontitis. So what can one do? Is Gum disease reversible?
Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease isn’t always immediately detectable, and may silently affect your gums and teeth. Caused by plaque not being thoroughly removed from the mouth, it can cause inflammation, bleeding at the gums, tenderness, bad breath, and in more advanced stages, gum recession, loose teeth, visible pus around teeth and gums.
Types of Gum Disease
Gum disease starts off as the relatively mild gingivitis, but can advance to periodontitis if left untreated. The toxins that are produced by plaque build up can begin to affect the bone under the gum tissue if left untreated, and this is what makes it important to treat early stage gum disease.
Treatments for Gum Disease
For the more mild forms, thorough dental hygiene and regular dental cleanings, or scaling and root planing can begin the process of reversing the gum disease.
But if it is more advanced, more advanced treatment may be required. This can include pocket reduction, and even gum or bone grafts for more serious forms of periodontitis. But in every case, more thorough oral hygiene is integral to any treatment.
No matter how mild or advanced your case of gum disease is, the beginning of change starts with regular and careful oral hygiene that includes brushing, flossing, and perhaps even therapeutic mouthwash.
Call our Pleasanton, San Antonio, TX, dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.
