Gum Disease: Is It Curable?

Red, swollen, and bleeding oral tissues can only mean one thing – gum disease. When bacteria and plaque attack the area surrounding your teeth, it can pose a serious problem if left untreated. With potential challenges ranging from pain and inflammation to bone and tooth loss, this common dental issue is one you’ll want to remedy as soon as possible. But is it curable? Can a dentist reverse the symptoms associated with periodontal disease? Read on to learn more about its various stages and why it’s best to seek professional help early on.

Is Gum Disease Curable?

When faced with red, inflamed, and bleeding gums, you might assume these symptoms will go away on their own. Unfortunately, this is not only true, but it will worsen over time if you forgo regular dental care. Depending on the stage of your gum disease, the signs can be reversed but only if they are caught early on. Gingivitis, which is known as the initial stage, can typically be cured with regular professional cleanings and a commitment to improved oral hygiene at home. Your dentist will need to use specialized instruments to remove hardened plaque and tartar to keep bacteria from spreading beneath the gum line and attacking the bone.

As long as you remain committed to your oral health, you can stop the progression of gum disease.

When Gum Disease is Left Untreated

If gum disease progresses beyond the initial stage of gingivitis, you can be faced with the potential for serious oral and overall health problems. Not only will the bacteria begin to cause gum pockets to form, but they will attack the bone, causing it to deteriorate. As a result, your teeth may become loose and eventually, fall out.

Known as periodontitis, this advanced stage can range from mild to severe and will not only wreak havoc on your smile but also your body. When inflammation and infection enter the bloodstream, they can travel to various organs and begin to negatively impact your overall health. From diabetes and cardiovascular disease to neurological conditions (i.e., Alzheimer’s, dementia) and even respiratory illness, the problems developing within your oral cavity can easily transfer throughout your body and become a significant issue in the long run.

What Your Dentist Can Do

Your dentist is your ally in the fight against gum disease, which is why it’s important to keep your regularly scheduled dental checkups and cleanings. By removing hardened plaque and tartar from your teeth and around your gums, they can minimize the potential for worsening oral conditions. However, should you be faced with periodontitis (of any stage), there are effective solutions designed to treat the problem and reduce the risk for future reinfection. Whether it is scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy, or laser treatment, your dentist can help you recover successfully.

When faced with periodontal disease, do not wait to seek professional help. Putting your smile in the hands of a trusted dentist will ensure your gum health remains in optimal shape for a lifetime.

About the Author
Dr. Gary Rosenfeld completed his doctorate at Columbia University Dental School in 1984 before completing a General Practice Residency at Sea View Hospital on Staten Island. Dr. Rosenfeld and his team at East Islip Dental Care want to help you achieve optimal oral health, which means offering periodontal therapy should you learn you have gum disease. To find out how he can help you combat inflammation and infection, visit our website or call (631) 581-8600.