When it comes to your oral health, several things can occur over time. One of the more common problems that occur is gum disease. A common question dentists receive is if reversing gum disease is possible. Fortunately, with a periodontist in Texas, it’s possible to reverse the disease and improve your oral health.
What is Gum Disease?
Before you learn about reversing gum disease, you should have an understanding of what it is. Gum disease comes in two forms and it refers to the condition that your gum and bone support are in surrounding your teeth. Periodontitis is the inflammation of the tissues and bone of the teeth. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the necks of the teeth. Both conditions are quite common.
Those with gingivitis often experience swelling and bleeding of their gums as they brush their teeth. Individuals with periodontitis experience spaces or pockets forming in between their gums and teeth.
Plaque and tartar that remains on the teeth will lead to a case of gingivitis. If you fail to treat gingivitis, it becomes periodontitis.
Over time, leaving periodontitis untreated could lead to the loosening and eventual loss of the teeth. That’s why it is vital to head to your dentist if you suspect you’re suffering from gum disease.
Reversing Gum Disease on Your Own
So, is reversing gum disease possible on your own? If you’re struggling with gingivitis, it is. Improving your dental hygiene routines is usually enough to reverse the effects of this mild inflammation. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day and use a mouthwash to help keep teeth clean. Heading to your dentist for regular cleanings and exams will also help.
If you’re struggling with periodontitis, you need the dental services of Lovett Dental.
Periodontics at Lovett Dental Baytown
Lovett Dental provides periodontal services that are crucial to reversing gum disease. Through scaling and root planing, we are able to deep clean the infected areas to help restore your teeth and gums. Scaling is when the dentist scrapes the tartar from below and above the gum line. Root planing removes the rough spots of the tooth where bacteria were. In severe cases, medications may also help with reversing gum disease.
Medications that help to treat gum disease include:
- Prescription antimicrobial mouth rinse
- Antiseptic chip
- Antibiotic gel
- Enzyme suppressant
- Antibiotic microspheres
- Oral antibiotics
After you leave your dentist, it’s important to maintain healthy hygiene practices at home. Other lifestyle changes might also be necessary, like changing diet and ending smoking.
Along with periodontics, Lovett Dental provides the following services to give our patients their best smile possible:
If you have questions about reversing gum disease, feel free to reach out to our dental team today. You can also contact us at 281-838-8400 to make an appointment for periodontal services.
