With millions of adults battling gum disease in Franklin Park, a common question develops, which is, “Can it be cured?” The answer is dependent upon the stage a person is in, and the solution can range from improving at-home oral hygiene habits to tooth extraction and eventual replacement. In this article, patients can learn if a periodontist can reverse symptoms and “cure” periodontal disease or if treatment will be required year after year.
Can Gum Disease Be Cured?
If caught in its earliest stages, it is possible for a periodontist in Franklin Park to reverse the symptoms associated with gum disease and, in effect, “cure” the problem. However, this is not always the case. Gingivitis, which is the mildest form, occurs when slight bleeding, inflammation, and redness occur after brushing and flossing. Regular dental checkups and cleanings as well as optimal oral hygiene habits at home can reverse the effects and keep a patient’s teeth and gums healthy.
If the problem is left untreated, it can progress to mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis. Once an individual is no longer in the gingivitis stage, the symptoms cannot be reversed, but they can be treated with deep cleanings and better oral care at home.
With each progressing stage, the signs become more serious. Many individuals suffer from gum pocket formations, destruction of the bone and teeth, and eventually, tooth loss. Without the appropriate form of treatment (i.e., deep cleaning, soft tissue laser dentistry, or gum grafting), tooth extraction will be the result, and discussions regarding the replacement of the missing tooth will be essential.
Additional Damage Caused by Gum Disease
It is not just a person’s mouth that is negatively impacted by gum disease. Also, the body can become a playground for bad bacteria. When infection and inflammation enter the bloodstream, they can travel to various parts of the body, including the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and gut.
Gum disease is commonly linked to many overall health issues that result in much time and money being spent trying to address and improve a person’s well-being. Whether it is heart disease, diabetes, negative cognitive decline, or respiratory illness, allowing inflammation and infection to infiltrate the mouth will only lead to serious problems throughout the body.
This is why many dentists and periodontists stress the importance of regular dental checkups and cleanings. Although at-home oral hygiene is important, professional tools must be used to reach areas untouched at home. Patients can rely on their trusted specialists and dentists to also recommend beneficial products designed to curb gum disease and promote better oral health.
About the Author
At Grand Dental – Franklin Park, our in-house, board-certified periodontist believes in the importance of healthy teeth and gums. Providing high-quality, advanced gum disease therapy, we can eliminate bad oral bacteria to create a better oral microbiome for patients dealing with bleeding, inflamed, and tender gum tissue. If you or a loved one is suffering from gum disease, contact us today by visiting our website or calling (847) 860-7093.