Can You Reverse Gum Disease?

More than 42% of American adults 30 and older have at least some form of gum or periodontal disease. The condition doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms at first, but if left to progress, it can lead to tooth loss and bone damage. 

What you might not know is that early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed when diagnosed promptly. Dr. Caesar Sweidan and Dr. Laura Smith at Gulf Coast Periodontics & Implants in Gulfport, Mississippi, specialize in gum disease treatment. 

Keep reading to learn what gum disease is, how it can be reversed, and what to do if you have an advanced type.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a blanket term for several conditions that infect your gums — the pink tissues that support your teeth. Without treatment, the inflammation can become severe, making your gums pull away from the teeth (recede) and increasing the risk of tooth and bone loss.

There are several types of gum disease, each with different symptoms and risks:

Gingivitis

This is the earliest stage of gum disease. It causes your gums to become red and puffy. You might also notice your gums bleed when you brush or floss. However, this stage doesn’t involve bone loss.

Periodontitis

This advanced stage of gum disease occurs when harmful bacteria make their way beneath your gums and infect the supporting bone. Periodontitis can be mild, moderate, or severe. It requires professional treatment to preserve your teeth and smile. 

Can gum disease be reversed?

It depends. If you have gingivitis, professional teeth cleaning and good oral hygiene can prevent the condition from worsening. But if you have periodontitis, there’s no way to reverse the damage completely. 

That said, good oral hygiene and routine dental checkups can slow the disease’s progression and lower your risk of severe consequences.

How to treat gingivitis

The only way to know if you have gingivitis is to undergo a comprehensive oral exam. Since the condition often develops gradually, visit us at least once every six months for a checkup. 

If we notice excessive plaque buildup or other signs of infection, such as inflammation or bleeding, we will develop a personalized treatment plan. 

Usually, this includes professional teeth cleaning and guidance for at-home care. For example, using an electric toothbrush, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can reduce harmful bacteria. 

Lifestyle changes can also help. For instance, quitting smoking improves gum health, as does eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.

These steps won’t heal your gums overnight, but if you make them part of your daily routine, they can significantly lower the risk of the disease progressing.

Managing periodontitis

If we determine you have an advanced case of gum disease that’s irreversible, we take steps to slow its progression and keep your mouth healthy. Depending on the severity of the infection, we may recommend:

• Deep cleaning procedures, such as scaling and root planing, are used to remove harmful bacteria and help your gums reattach to your teeth.
• Prescription antibiotics or antibiotic beads are used to eliminate the bacteria responsible for the infection.
• Flap surgery lets us access and clean infected areas and helps restore gum tissue.
• Bone grafting replaces bone loss and restores jaw volume.

The goal of treatment is to preserve your teeth so you can bite and chew comfortably and smile confidently for years to come.

Worried about gum disease? Make an appointment!

If you have any signs of gum disease, such as gum inflammation, bleeding gums, or a bad taste in your mouth, don’t wait to seek treatment. Gingivitis is reversible and periodontitis is not, but both can be treated effectively.

Contact us today to make an appointment. Call our Gulfport, Mississippi, office at (228) 868-9615 or request an appointment online.