Can You Reverse Gum Disease?

It had been a long night; you’d stayed up late, snacking carelessly, with sugary treats and sticky, processed foods. In the morning, you awoke to a startling realization: You have gum disease!

Can you reverse gum disease?

You don’t have to suffer any longer. There are effective treatments that can help reverse gum disease and lead to a healthy, happy smile. Keep reading to learn exactly how to tackle gum disease and restore a healthy mouth.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is also known as periodontitis. It is a condition caused by plaque, bacteria, and toxins that accumulate below the gum line, which leads to inflammation, soreness, and infection. This can eventually cause teeth to loosen or fall out.

Gum disease is a bacterial infection and can be caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetics, or certain medications.

Can You Reverse Gum Disease?

The short answer is yes. In its early stages, gum disease is reversible with proper brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings. This means that dental plaque can be removed, inflammation can be reduced, and active infection can be stopped.

If left untreated, however, gum disease can progress. The bone and tissue supporting the teeth may be permanently damaged. If the gum disease has gone too far, periodontal surgery or dental implant procedure may be needed to remove the bacteria and the damage it has caused.

How to Reverse Gum Disease?

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It is essential to address how to reverse the damage caused by it. The good news is, in most cases, gum disease can be reversed with proper treatment and preventive practices. Here are some ways you can consider.

Quit Smoking or Chewing Tobacco

Quitting smoking or chewing tobacco is one of the most important steps to reverse gum disease. Tobacco is a major risk factor for gum disease. It causes inflammation that leads to periodontal damage. 

This inflammation weakens the gum tissue. Moreover, it allows bacteria to grow and enter the bloodstream, leading to infection.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Reversing gum disease begins with proper oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth with an effective toothpaste and fluoride rinse twice daily is the first step towards reversing gum disease.

It is essential to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque and bacteria effectively. Furthermore, daily flossing is necessary to stimulate the gums and remove plaque between the teeth.

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Visiting the dentist regularly is the key to reversing gum disease. Regular check-ups can identify early signs of gum disease. It allows the dentist to provide immediate treatment.

During regular visits, the dentist can perform a thorough cleaning and look for areas of:

• gum recession
• inflamed gums
• pockets containing plaque, tartar, or bacteria

If the gum disease is in its early stages, the dentist can recommend treatments to reverse it. This includes proper brushing and flossing a minimum of two times a day. 

Try Dental Implants

Dental implants provide a strong, secure foundation to keep teeth in the correct alignment and limit the risk of infection. Dental implants also reduce inflammation in the gums, helping to reduce bleeding and decreasing pain levels.

To begin, it is first important to consult with your dentist to explore your options. After the diagnosis of gum disease is confirmed, the dentist will suggest a plan to help stop the progression of the condition. This may include tooth scaling and root planing, deep cleaning, and applying periodontal dressings.

But how much are dental implants? With advances in technology, the cost of dental implants is becoming more and more comfortable and affordable. If the gum disease can be reversed with these treatments, dental implants may be an appropriate option.

The implant process involves the use of prosthetically created teeth that replace damaged and missing teeth. This can provide the patient with a restored and lasting smile. 

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Reverting gum disease is possible through maintaining a healthy diet. First, a balanced diet rich in vitamin C, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids is vital for maintaining oral health. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is important as well.

Secondly, reducing your intake of sugar and acidic foods can help protect your gums from further erosion. Lastly, drinking lots of water can help prevent and reverse gum disease. By following these steps, it is possible to reduce gum disease and maintain optimum oral health.

Taking Medications

Gum disease can be reversed by taking medications. The treatment usually starts with antibiotics, such as Medrol, to help reduce inflammation. Depending on the severity of the disease, antibiotics may only need to be taken for a few weeks.

Additionally, anti-inflammatory medications may be taken longer, sometimes up to several months. Next, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning to remove plaque and pockets of infection from below the gum line.

If the disease is severe, other treatments may include surgery or laser treatment. It is important to take prescribed medication diligently and follow other recommendations to reverse gum disease.

Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry can be very effective when it comes to reversing gum disease. This type of dentistry uses focused beams of light to penetrate the gum and tissue deep. This results in a painless and accurate treatment.

The dental laser is used to remove diseased gum tissue and bacteria, and it also helps reshape and even regenerate the surrounding healthy tissue.

Additionally, it can help reduce inflammation, and the absence of a scalpel means that cutting away diseased tissue is no longer necessary. Laser dentistry can also help strengthen the gum tissue, making it easier to fight off the bacteria that cause gum disease.

Answering the Question: Can You Reverse Gum Disease?

So, can you reverse gum disease? Yes! It can be reversed with the right commitment to oral hygiene. A daily routine of brushing and flossing, combined with regular dental check-ups, can help to prevent and reverse existing gum disease.

Take action now and contact your dentist for more information about reversing your gum disease.

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