How To Reverse Periodontal Disease | Is Periodontal Disease Reversible
GKS Family Dentistry • Oct 30, 2019

Reversing Periodontal Disease: 6 Things You Need to Know

Learn what you need to do to reverse periodontal disease.

reversing periodontal disease

The Global Burden of Disease study was conducted in 2016, indicating that close to 3.58 billion people were suffering from tooth decay. Periodontal disease was then estimated to be among the most prevalent conditions globally.

But what is periodontitis? How does it occur? Is it preventable?

Gum disease can cause discomfort and pain throughout your lifetime. It may even lead to disfigurement and even death. Yes! Gum disease can be deadly if you are not careful.

What Should You Do If You Suffer from Periodontitis?

 

Reversing periodontal disease back to normal is possible. However, there are several measures you need to take.

 

Keep reading to learn more.

 

1. Types of Gum Diseases

 

The gum is prone to two kinds of diseases that include gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is prevalent among teenagers and is a milder form of gum disease .

 

On the other hand, periodontitis is highly prevalent in adults that are in their 30s or 40s. Gum disease is painless and creeps in slowly, leaving enough damage before you are aware of the existence of the infection.

 

It is caused when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) forms around the teeth. The plaque releases toxins that erode the gum and bones surrounding the teeth.

 



  • Gingivitis

 



During the early stages, the gum swells, become red and bleeds easily. This develops when plaque encroaches around the teeth and reacts with the bacteria in the mouth.

 

About 50 percent of the population get gingivitis on more than four teeth. It is especially rampant among smokers, pregnant women, substance abusers, and those with weak immunity.

 

Gingivitis also occurs due to poor oral hygiene or as a result of some systemic diseases such as thyroid disorder and HIV infection, the use of birth control pills, and the use of unclean or ill-fitting mouth appliances.

 

It is, however, easily reversible at this point. You only need to exercise proper oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once every day.

 



  • Periodontitis

 



When you do not control gingivitis early, it may develop into a more severe periodontal disease.

 

According to the NIH , periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults because it destroys gums, tissues, mouth bones, and teeth.

 

Tooth loss occurs when the plaque seeps below the gum line allowing toxins to breakdown the tissues that support the bones. The gums then pull back from the teeth forming pockets where debris can collect and cause an infection.

 

As the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line, the pockets deepen as more connective tissue and bone are destroyed. The teeth eventually become loose and fall off.

 

There are four common types of periodontitis.

 

 Chronic periodontitis It is the most frequent type of periodontitis. The disease occurs due to inflammation in the supporting tissues of the teeth and bone loss. Deep pockets and recessed gingiva characterize the disease.

 

Aggressive periodontitis – is characterized by bone destruction, the rapid loss of gums, and familial aggregation. It develops on clinically healthy patients.

 

Necrotizing periodontal disease – the disease develops as a result of the death of gum tissue, alveolar bones, and periodontal ligaments. It is widespread in people with low immunity and those that suffer from systemic conditions.

 

Periodontal, as a manifestation of systemic diseases – occurs at a young age due to heart disease, respiratory diseases, and diabetes.

 

2. How Can You Tell If You Are Suffering from Gum Disease?

 

There are three stages of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. If you are not keen on oral health, it may be challenging to capture gum disease happening since it is painless.

 

How do you tell if you have gum disease? You can quickly know if you notice the following symptoms:

 



  • Receding gums around the teeth
  • Bleeding and swollen gums
  • When you note pus around the gums and teeth
  • Un-ending bad breath
  • Pain while chewing food

 



3. Reversing Periodontal Disease

 

You need to keep bacterial plaque off your teeth and gums to reverse periodontitis. You must replace your toothbrush if it gets old and frayed. Also, drink plenty of water as it helps to stimulate saliva flow, which washes away bacteria from the mouth.

 

Avoid smoking if you show any signs of gingivitis as it disrupts the healing process of the gums. You should also get routine checkups. A dentist not only checks for decay but also for any sign of early gum disease.

 

4. Treating Periodontitis

 

The conventional treatment for periodontitis is root planing or scaling . It involves cleaning the tooth surfaces and exposed roots non-surgically. It will help get rid of the plaque, tartar, and bacteria surrounding the root, promoting healthy gum tissue regeneration.

 

Another alternative method of treatment is gum flap surgery. Here, the dentist cuts the gum tissue, flips it back and cleans around the root. The gum tissue is then sutured back to heal.

 

5. Use of Laser Therapy

 

The dentist can use laser therapy to gain access and get rid of the inflamed gum tissue. The plaque built around the root and gum line is then scraped off. Any rough spots that may attract bacteria are removed, allowing the area around the gum and root to regenerate.

 

The use of lasers to treat periodontitis is advantageous since you do not require to use any anesthetic as required when undergoing surgery. The lasers are also effective as they target the infected area precisely and accurately.

 

You can heal and recover faster than when you undergo deep cleaning. Moreover, there is less swelling, bleeding, and pain since the laser therapy is less invasive.

 

6. What Is the Next Step After Treating Periodontitis?

 

After reversing periodontal disease, you need to take preventive measures to avoid any recurrence of the disease. You should brush your teeth and floss regularly to strengthen your gums and teeth.

 

You should also avoid smoking and taking drugs as that may induce the risk of future infections. Ensure that you follow all instructions that your dentist provides you with to reduce the risk of re-emergence.

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