Do you suffer from bleeding gums? Perhaps you struggle with a tender or swollen gum area? Or you may suffer from more significant issues such as failing teeth or tooth loss.
If so, then you might be suffering from periodontitis.
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is incredibly common but, if left untreated, it can have a significant impact on your oral health and even on your quality of life. But can gum disease be reversed? And if so – how?
Today, the team at EvoDental are shedding some light on this much-asked question.
What is gum disease?
Most people will experience some symptoms of periodontitis at some point in their lives. It can present itself in a wide range of ways from bad breath through to complete tooth loss – but what is it?
Gum disease starts off as something called gingivitis. At this very early stage, the condition can be treated, however if left it will develop into periodontitis which affects the supporting tissues that hold the teeth in place. Periodontitis can still be treated, but if it’s left it can quickly cause significant damage to the jaw making pockets where bacteria can grow, which leads to infections and eventually tooth loss.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Not every symptom of gum disease causes pain or discomfort, which is why it can often go unnoticed if daily hygiene maintenance isn’t carried out or if you regularly skip dental check-ups. Early signs of gum disease include:
- Red and swollen gums
- Bleeding gums after brushing
These symptoms can be indicative of gingivitis, which is the first stages of periodontitis. Signs of more advanced gum disease include:
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Missing teeth
- Gum abscesses
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Receding gums
Although gum disease is most commonly a result of poor dental hygiene, in some cases it can be attributed to other underlying health conditions such as diabetes and stress, or to some medications. It is always advised therefore to address any concerns with your dentist.
Can the signs of periodontitis be reversed?
The symptoms of gum disease are never pleasant – but the good news is that if you keep on top of your hygiene, they can often be treated and reversed helping to save your teeth.
Here are some of the most effective ways to reverse the signs of gum disease:
- Preventative care
By far the most effective way of keeping on top of your oral health and keeping periodontitis at bay is by having regular dental appointments. However, everyday care can help to prevent gum disease progressing, so simple steps such as brushing your teeth twice a day, using tooth floss and mouthwash can all attribute to a healthier mouth.
- Plaque removal
Plaque is one of the most common causes of gum disease, and if it has been left to develop it can be impossible to remove entirely at home. A routine appointment at your dentist will usually include a thorough cleaning, which can help to remove plaque and tartar where regular brushing hasn’t been able to.
- Scaling and planning
A scale and polish is a pretty quick, painless procedure you can get at your regular dental practice, but it can target plaque and tartar that has gone beneath the gum line. Bacteria in this area can cause pockets where infections can breed, so this procedure can be an effective way of stopping the progression of gum disease without the need for invasive care.
What can be done for advanced gum disease?
Prevention is always better than cure – however in the case of advanced gum disease where most or all the teeth have been lost, reversing symptoms is no longer a possibility.
The good news is that all is not lost, and there are still options available that can deliver the confidence, self-esteem and quality of life associated with a full and healthy smile. Here at EvoDental, we are the only dental clinic in the UK specialising exclusively in full jaw dental implants, and thanks to our advanced techniques we can offer an alternative to the popular restorative all on four dental implant procedure, which means you can benefit from a brand new smile – even where significant tooth and bone loss has taken place.
If you have struggled with periodontitis for a long time and fear that dentures may be your only solution – why not get in touch with us? We have significant experience in this field, and offer a free 90 minute consultation, during which we can tell you there and then whether you’d be suitable for our advanced procedure.
To find out more – give us a call on 0800 470 3050 Click to Call or make an enquiry and we will get back to you as soon as possible.