Periodontitis is a disease that affects the gum tissue, surrounding teeth, and bone. Over 80% of adults suffer from some stage of this disease in their lives, but with the right dental treatment plan, you don’t have to be part of this statistic.
A commitment to oral health and treatment by an experienced dentist can help you prevent, treat, manage, and even reverse certain stages of this condition and achieve and maintain optimal dental health.
Is Periodontitis Reversible?
Periodontitis is completely reversible at its earliest stages, but if it progresses to later stages without the right treatment protocol, it is not. During the early stages of this gum disease, we can remove the plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the teeth contributing to this condition and reverse gum disease so you can have healthy teeth and gums.
During the later stages of this condition, more advanced techniques will be necessary to effectively reverse it. However, if it progresses into the latest stages, we can only take steps to address symptoms and manage the disease.
Still, at that point, it may no longer be reversible and will instead require active maintenance and prescriptive measures to minimize discomfort, promote oral health, and prevent tooth loss.
What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is severe form of gum disease. It’s a condition in which plaque and bacteria form along the teeth at the gumline and spread to the tooth roots.
If left untreated, it results in bone loss because the bacteria damage the supporting structures that hold your teeth in place. It can also result in gum damage and tooth loss if left untreated.
Healthy gums should appear pink, but those affected by gum disease will appear red and swollen. At the earliest stages, most symptoms are external, and it progresses, issues extend into the gums and affect the bone and the teeth.
What Causes Periodontitis?
The primary cause of periodontitis is plaque. Dental plaque contains bacteria and fungi that accumulate and grow on the mouth surfaces.
It’s sticky in texture and, if left unaddressed, turns into a harder solution called tartar that appears brown or light yellow. Plaque forms when food sugars and mouth bacteria combine.
When left untreated, it hardens along the gum line causing the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis. If gingivitis isn’t properly treated, this will progress into periodontitis.
Some patients are at an increased risk of developing gum disease, including those who have already been diagnosed with gingivitis, those who don’t engage in healthy oral care habits, those who use tobacco products, and those who are obese or who use recreational drugs.
Additionally, hormonal changes, the side effects of certain medications, poor nutrition, genetics, immune conditions, and certain medical conditions and diseases can increase the risk of gum disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Periodontitis?
Some primary symptoms of periodontitis affect the mouth, but the symptoms vary depending on the stage of the disease. At the earliest stage, symptoms may include red and swollen gums, gum recession, and bad breath.
These symptoms will intensify in the later stages and be accompanied by additional symptoms, such as loose teeth, extreme gum recession, advanced gum infection, and pain and discomfort.
As the condition advances, spaces will develop between the teeth, the gums will continue to pull away from the teeth, your bite will be affected, and you’ll notice bleeding when brushing or flossing, tooth loss, and chronic bad breath.
What Is the Best Treatment Method?
If gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to serious gum recession and bone loss, which eventually causes tooth loss and other health problems, including the increased risk of heart disease. At Cornerstone Dental, we offer various treatment methods to meet the needs of patients with gum disease.
Among our treatment options, we offer an ultrasonic scaling system called Cavitron Touch that delivers a thorough and complete cleaning. This device is superior to comparable systems because it delivers the most in-depth cleaning and scaling to rid the mouth of bacteria, tartar, and plaque.
We also offer diode laser treatments to clean the infected gum tissue and restore oral health. When you come in for your consultation, we will evaluate your oral health, diagnose which stage of gum disease you’re suffering from, and then move forward with a customized treatment protocol.
How To Prevent Gum Disease
Once you have undergone the treatments to reverse gum disease, you can prevent it from reoccurring with proper oral hygiene and by scheduling routine cleanings and examinations. Investing in your oral health and committing to a healthy lifestyle will go a long way in keeping your gums, teeth, and bones healthy, so you can avoid all the complications associated with gum disease.
Schedule Routine Dental Examinations and Cleanings
One of the most important things you can do after reversing gum disease, or to prevent it from developing, is to schedule routine cleanings and dental examinations. At these appointments, the dental team will thoroughly clean your teeth, using advanced techniques and professional tools to rid your mouth of bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup.
These cleanings promote oral health and prevent redness, inflammation, and gum recession by eliminating plaque and bacteria. These exams are also preventative because they allow the dental team to evaluate your teeth and gum health to detect any changes as early as possible.
Regular cleanings and exams are typically recommended every six months, but sometimes more frequently if you are at risk of or suffering from gum disease.
Invest in Your Oral Health
Another way to prevent gum disease or its reoccurrence is by investing in your oral health. Make a habit of brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing at least once a day, and using quality toothpaste or mouthwash to keep your mouth bacteria-free.
Consistent daily oral hygiene habits are key to keeping your mouth healthy between your regularly scheduled visits and warding off the effects of or decreasing the risk of gum disease.
Live a Healthy Lifestyle
Your lifestyle also plays a significant role in your dental health. The foods you eat, the activities you engage in, and your overall lifestyle habits will affect your oral health.
For that reason, it’s important that you focus on eating healthy foods, limiting those foods that cause inflammation, including alcohol, sugar, refined carbohydrates, chemicals, artificial ingredients, and preservatives. Eat natural, vitamin-rich foods, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Swap out sodas and sugary beverages for water to protect your teeth and avoid feeding mouth bacteria. It’s also important that you avoid smoking, live a low-stress lifestyle, get plenty of sleep, and exercise daily. These habits will work together to ensure optimal dental health.
Are You In Need Of Periodontitis Treatment In The Martinsburg Area?
If you are in need of periodontitis treatment you owe it to yourself to speak with an experienced dentist as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.
