Gum Disease Treatment: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Oral Health
Gum disease affects the gums and bone that support your teeth. It is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth and, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. The treatment for gum disease depends on the severity of the condition and may include non-surgical or surgical treatment.
The best way to prevent gum disease is to practice oral hygiene and a healthy lifestyle. Here’s everything you need to know about gum disease and its treatment:
What is Gum Disease?
Gum or periodontal disease affects the gums and bone supporting your teeth. It is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth, which leads to inflammation and infection of the gums. If left untreated, this disease can progress and lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
Types of Gum Disease
There are two major types of periodontal disease:
Gingivitis: This is the early stage of gum disease and is caused by inflammation of the gums. Symptoms of gingivitis include swollen, red, and bleeding gums, bad breath, and a receding gum line. Gingivitis can be reversed with the right dental care and regular cleanings.
Periodontitis: This’s the more advanced stage of periodontal disease and occurs when the inflammation and infection have spread to the bone and other tissues that support your teeth. Symptoms of periodontitis include deep pockets between the teeth and gums and loose teeth. It can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
How Long Does It Take to Cure Gum or Periodontal Disease?
The time it takes to cure gum disease depends on the severity of your condition and the treatment used. In general, the earlier gum disease is detected and treated, the easier and faster it is to cure.
For mild cases of gum disease, it may take weeks to a few months of proper oral hygiene and a professional cleaning to completely cure the condition. This typically involves regular brushing and flossing and visits to the dentist near you for regular cleanings and check-ups.
For more advanced cases of gum disease (periodontitis) may take several months of treatment to cure the condition completely. This may involve non-surgical treatments such as scaling and root planing, as well as surgical treatments such as tissue and bone grafts or flap surgery. Following these procedures, it may take several months for the gums to heal and the condition to resolve completely.
Treatment for Gum Disease
The treatment for gum disease in Mesquite depends on the severity of the condition. In general, gum disease treatment aims to remove the bacteria and plaque that have accumulated on the teeth and gums.
Non-Surgical Treatment: If gum disease is caught early, non-surgical treatment may be effective. This typically involves a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. This procedure removes the plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums and smooths out the root surfaces to help prevent bacteria from sticking to them.
Surgical Treatment: If non-surgical treatment is not effective or if the gum disease has progressed, surgical treatment may be necessary. This may include procedures such as flap surgery, bone and tissue grafts, or guided tissue regeneration.
Maintenance: Once gum disease has been treated, it is essential to maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent it from returning. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, getting regular dental check-ups, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Is it Ever too Late to Cure Gum Disease?
It is never too late to fix gum disease, but the earlier it is detected and treated, the better the outcome. Gum disease is a progressive condition, which means it will continue to worsen if left untreated. The condition can be reversed in the early stages of gum disease with proper dental care and regular cleanings.
However, suppose gum disease progresses to the more advanced stage of periodontitis. In that case, it may require more extensive gum disease treatment in 75149, such as surgery to prevent further damage and tooth loss.
Preventing Gum Disease
Our dentist in Mesquite Dental Solutions advises you to perform these excellent oral hygiene practices to prevent gum disease:
- Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth
- Quitting smoking or using tobacco products
- Eating a healthy diet that’s low in sugar and high in nutrients