{"id":117,"date":"2024-05-06T17:07:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-06T17:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saltlakecityperio.com\/blog\/?p=117"},"modified":"2024-06-17T17:13:11","modified_gmt":"2024-06-17T17:13:11","slug":"periodontal-problems-can-gum-disease-be-cured","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saltlakecityperio.com\/blog\/2024\/05\/06\/periodontal-problems-can-gum-disease-be-cured\/","title":{"rendered":"Periodontal Problems: Can Gum Disease Be Cured?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Did you know that according to the CDC, nearly half (47%) of all American adults 30 years or older have some form of gum disease<\/a>? Not only that, but it\u2019s also listed as the leading cause of tooth loss. Catching it early can prevent it from progressing to maintain your dental well-being, but it\u2019s natural to wonder what happens if it\u2019s already reached a more advanced stage. Is it possible to reverse the damage caused by your periodontal problems?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many patients who are worried about gum disease aren\u2019t sure what steps to take to keep it from getting worse. Continue reading to learn more about how it\u2019s resolved and why it\u2019s important to get help quickly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Can Gum Disease Be Cured?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease occurs when harmful bacteria build a layer of plaque between teeth and along the gumline. Over time, germs can penetrate below the surface and cause an infection. The earliest stage can usually be treated and reversed to keep it from evolving. Once it\u2019s reached a certain point, however, you\u2019ll require a professional\u2019s help to protect, preserve, or restore your gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are more detailed descriptions of each level of periodontal disease and how it\u2019s typically addressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gingivitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is the first stage and often goes unnoticed because it\u2019s easy to miss the early indicators of a problem. You might notice your gums are darker, swollen, or bleed slightly during your daily dental hygiene routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, at this early phase, the disease can be turned around relatively easily. If you don\u2019t already, you should brush and floss twice daily to remove bacteria. Also, you should schedule a visit with your periodontist so they can professionally clean your mouth to ensure the disease doesn\u2019t advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mild Periodontitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your gingivitis goes unnoticed or untreated, then you\u2019ll develop mild periodontitis. At this level, the infection deepens and affects the connective tissue. More thorough brushing won\u2019t hinder its progress at this point, so you\u2019ll need to visit your periodontist. After an examination, they can recommend appropriate solutions. In many cases, scaling and root planing can remove tartar from above and below your gumline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moderate Periodontitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Plenty of people don\u2019t realize they have a problem until it reaches this point because symptoms become more noticeable. You will notice that your gums begin to pull away from your teeth to avoid the infection. This forms pockets beneath your gumline where germs can flourish, exacerbating your condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to receding gums, you\u2019ll likely experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n