Can Gums Recover From Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is the infection or inflammation of the gum tissues. Poor dental hygiene is the key cause of gum disease. Generally, gum disease progress gradually and painlessly. In its initial stages, gum disease is known as gingivitis. At this stage, the condition is easily treatable and reversible.
However, if not treated properly and on time, gingivitis progress to a serious and irreversible stage, known as periodontitis. Therefore, contact our dentist in Frisco, TX, for proper diagnosis and treatment if you think you have gum disease. Proper and prompt treatment will help treat gum disease and prevent it from advancing to serious stages.
Signs of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums when eating or brushing
- Persistent bad taste or bad breath
- Receding gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Deep pockets between teeth and gums
- Red, swollen, or sore gums
- Changes on how teeth fit together on biting down
- Changes in the fit of dentures
It’s worth noting that gum disease may show no to very few symptoms, especially in its initial stages. Having regular dental exams and cleanings can help the dentist check for gum disease and other oral tissues and provide the right treatments on time. Visit a dentist near you today to determine whether you have gum disease.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease can be caused by numerous factors, including:
- Plaque and tartar
Plaque and tartar are the key causes of gum disease. When food particles and bacteria buildup in the mouth, they form a thick film deposit called plaque. When plaque builds up and hardens, it forms tartar, a hard yellow-brown deposit that forms on teeth and below and above the gum line. With time, tartar irritates and infects the gum tissues, causing receding gums and gum disease.
At this level, even the most rigorous brushing and flossing can’t eliminate tartar. You’ll need professional cleaning from your dentist or hygienist to get rid of tartar. Brushing and flossing daily, along with regular dental cleanings, are great steps to prevent plaque and tartar.
- Hormonal changes
A change in your hormones can also increase your risk of developing gum disease. Your gum tissues tend to react to hormonal changes during puberty, menopause, monthly menstruation, and pregnancy. During these stages, your gums tend to be more sensitive and easily become irritated, inflamed, sore, puffy, or even bleed when brushing or flossing. Fortunately, these symptoms typically disappear once your hormones balance. Improving your oral hygiene is a great way to prevent gum disease when your body is undergoing hormonal changes.
- Certain illnesses
Certain pre-existing oral and overall conditions such as oral cancer, HIV, and diabetes can increase your risk of developing gum disease. For instance, HIV affects the body’s immune system, making you susceptible to gum infections. Managing underlying conditions can help maintain healthy gums.
- Certain medications
Certain medications reduce saliva production and flow in the mouth, causing dry mouth. The limited saliva is unable to wash away bacteria and debris from the mouth, causing increased bacteria growth and risk of developing gum infection. Other drugs such as Procardia, Adalat, and Dilantin can lead to abnormal growth of gum disease.
- Bad habits
Smoking and tobacco products interfere with the normal function of the gum tissue cells, making you vulnerable to infections like gum disease. Smoking also makes it harder for gum tissues to heal after surgery, leading to infections. Avoid any habits that can increase your risk of developing infections.
- Poor diet
Not taking enough vitamins can make you susceptible to gum infections. Similarly, a diet high in carbohydrates and sugar encourages bacteria growth in the mouth, increasing your risk of bacteria attacks on the gums and teeth. Take a balanced diet and hydrate well to maintain healthy gum tissues.
- Family history
If you have a history of gum disease in your family, it might put you at a slightly higher risk of developing gum disease.
Can Gums Recover From Gum Disease?
Treatment for gum disease primarily depends on the stage of your condition. In the early stages, your gums can easily recover from gum disease. However, if your gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, the condition can’t be cured or reversed. Your dentist can only treat and manage the condition.
Common treatments for early gum disease include scaling and root planing, proper dental hygiene, deep cleaning, and antibiotics. Treatments for advanced gum disease include flap surgery, soft tissue grafts, bone grafting, tissue regeneration, and tissue-stimulating proteins. For more information about periodontal treatment in Frisco, TX, contact Millennium Smiles.