Is gum disease reversible? Yes, and no. If caught early, at the Gingivitis stage, gum disease is reversible. If Gingivitis progresses to Periodontal disease, it is not reversible, but you can stop it from progressing and getting worse. This is why it’s so important to come into the dentist for your regular cleanings to be evaluated for any issues. At Boulder Dental Arts you will get a Periodontal Evaluation annually, where we will determine if you have any signs of gum disease.
What Causes Gingivitis?
Gum disease comes from the build-up of plaque (the naturally-occurring sticky film containing bacteria) on the teeth and gums. Certain lifestyle factors like smoking increase your risk of developing Gingivitis. Healthy regular flossing, hydration, and the use of oral rinses can help stop or slow the progression. And of course seeing your dentist for regular cleanings is also important to keep your gums healthy.
How Do I Treat Gingivitis?
If you’ve been diagnosed with Gingivitis there are a few things you can do to improve your gum health. Learn how to brush and floss under your gums (check out our blog post about this technique: Gum Brushing 101), or ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you how. Quit smoking, drink tons of water to keep your gums hydrated, and use oral rinses to kill bacteria. Take every action possible to prevent it from getting worse!
What if I have Periodontal Disease?
You’ll need to do all of the things mentioned above for Gingivitis treatment, and increase the frequency of your dental cleanings to every 3-4 months (instead of every 6). As a “perio-patient” your dentist visits will involve more in depth cleaning and removing plaque from under your gum line. If the Periodontal disease is advanced enough you may be required to get a debridement. This treatment removes 1-2mm of gum tissue around your teeth and allows for a super deep cleaning under the gum tissue.
The treatment for advanced gum disease might sound unpleasant, but that is why it’s vital to catch it as early as possible. Over time as gum disease progresses your gums will recede and if left untreated, it will lead to tooth loss. This is why treating Gingivitis early before it advances to Periodontal disease is key! Make any and all lifestyle changes to prevent it from getting worse! If you’re worried about your gum health, contact us at Boulder Dental Arts for a Periodontal Evaluation and we’ll get you on the road to a healthy mouth!
Think you might need a Periodontal Evaluation? Or are you looking for a new dentist in the Boulder area? Schedule an appointment at Boulder Dental Arts to see the best dentist in Boulder!