Gum disease is an incredibly common chronic health condition worldwide. It’s also the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, and strongly linked to several systemic medical issues. That may feel very overwhelming, especially if you’ve been struggling with gum disease for a long time.
While it is a progressive condition that causes more damage the longer you leave it untreated, it’s never too late to save your smile. Our team includes an expert periodontist who can manage even advanced periodontal disease, relieving strain on your overall health and giving your smile a chance to recover. So, what are your options? Let’s break down the different stages of gum disease and the best ways to treat it.
Understanding the Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease doesn’t happen overnight. It starts small and gets worse over time if left untreated. Here’s how it progresses:
- Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease, caused by plaque buildup around the gumline. Signs include red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. The good news? Gingivitis is completely reversible with the right care.
- Periodontitis: If gingivitis isn’t treated, it turns into periodontitis. At this stage, the gums start pulling away from the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria thrive. This can lead to bad breath, gum recession, and bone loss around the teeth. In the past, damage from periodontitis could not be reversed and could only be managed. However, today’s advanced technology offers new hope (more on that in a moment).
- Advanced Periodontitis: In its final stages, periodontal disease does severe damage. Your teeth may become loose, chewing can be painful, and without treatment, tooth loss is likely. Advanced periodontitis requires serious intervention to prevent further damage.
Can You Reverse Gum Disease?
The answer depends on how early you get treatment and what options your dental team can offer. Early gingivitis treatment can completely reverse inflammation and restore full health to your gums. By addressing developing gum disease before it affects the bone sockets surrounding your teeth, you’ll save yourself significant discomfort and expense while minimizing long-term risks.
When gum disease reaches the bone sockets and ligaments that support your teeth, it can start to do more serious damage that can be difficult or impossible to reverse. In many cases, periodontitis takes life-long management to prevent further damage and tooth loss.
However, modern interventions can help to rebuild lost bone volume, stabilizing your smile and reversing much of the damage caused by gum disease.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
No matter what stage of gum disease you’re dealing with, there are ways to improve your gum health. Here’s how our team can help:
1. Professional Dental Cleanings
If you have gingivitis, a routine dental cleaning can help remove plaque and tartar before they cause lasting damage. Regular cleanings, combined with good home care, can stop gum disease before it starts.
2. Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
For early to moderate periodontitis, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning removes plaque and bacteria from below the gumline, helping your gums heal and preventing further infection.
3. LANAP Laser Treatment
A newer, less invasive option for treating gum disease is LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure). This treatment uses a laser to target infected gum tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact. It’s a great option for reducing inflammation and promoting bone regeneration without the need for surgery.
4. Antibiotic Therapy
Sometimes, we may prescribe antibiotic gels or mouth rinses to help kill bacteria and reduce infection. These can be used alongside deep cleaning treatments to improve results.
5. Surgical Treatments for Advanced Cases
If gum disease has caused severe damage, you may need surgical intervention. Common procedures include:
- Gum grafting: To correct gum recession.
- Osseous surgery: To remove deep pockets of bacteria and reduce infection.
- Bone grafting: To rebuild bone structure lost due to periodontitis.
At-Home Care to Support Healthy Gums
While professional treatments are important, daily care at home is just as crucial. Here’s what you can do to keep your gums healthy:
1. Brush and Floss Daily
Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day helps remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
2. Use an Antimicrobial Mouthwash
Rinsing with a mouthwash that fights bacteria can help reduce plaque and keep your gums healthy. Rinses like Listerine have essential oils that keep bacteria under control while minimizing inflammation.
3. Eat a Gum-Friendly Diet
What you eat affects your gum health. Load up on:
- Vitamin C-rich foods (like oranges and bell peppers) to support gum healing.
- Calcium-rich foods (like dairy and leafy greens) to strengthen teeth and bones.
- Crunchy vegetables (like carrots and celery) to help clean your teeth naturally.
Avoid too much sugar and processed foods, which can fuel bacteria growth and make gum disease worse.
Drinking plenty of water helps wash away bacteria and food particles. It also keeps your mouth from getting too dry, which can make gum problems worse.
4. Cut Out Gum-Harming Habits
Bruxism (tooth grinding and jaw clenching) can put excess strain on the teeth, significantly exacerbating the progress of gum disease, especially recession. A night guard can protect both your teeth and your gum health.
Tobacco use is also a major risk factor for gum disease because nicotine constricts the tiny blood vessels that feed the gum tissue. Unfortunately, this also masks some warning signs of gum disease, leading many people to put off care.
Other habits like biting your nails, chewing on pens, and using your teeth to open packages can also damage your gum health by increasing bacterial exposure and creating the risk of cuts and scrapes to the tissues in your mouth.
5. Don’t Skip Dental Check-Ups
Even if your gums feel fine, regular check-ups are key to identifying and addressing gum disease as early as possible. Our team can spot trouble before it becomes serious and recommend the best treatment.
Protect Your Gums and Your Smile with Gum Disease Treatments in Washington Heights, NYC!
Gum disease is a serious problem, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. If you catch it early, you can completely reverse gingivitis. If it has progressed to periodontitis, we can help you manage it and prevent further damage.
The key is taking action now. If your gums are red, swollen, or bleeding, don’t wait! Schedule a check-up in Washington Heights today. Your smile (and your overall health) will thank you!
