Cavities are a widespread oral health issue, but so is gum disease. This condition comes in stages, and it affects nearly half of adults over 30 in the U.S. Since it may be more prevalent than you initially thought, you might wonder about whether it can be cured or not. The answer is a bit more nuanced than you may think, so here’s what you need to know and how your dentist can help.

Early Stage of Gum Disease, Gingivitis

Gum disease is often broken down into two parts. The initial stage is called gingivitis. It typically forms due to bacterial buildup along the gumline, but there are risk factors for it as well, such as smoking. If you have it, then the soft tissues in your mouth might be noticeably red, inflamed, or bleed when you brush and floss.

If this condition is caught at this point, it can oftentimes be cured. In many cases, any damage done can be reversed and treated. So, it’s important you go to your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. They will be able to spot the early warning signs and get you back to a problem-free smile.

Moderate to Severe Gum Disease, Periodontitis

When gingivitis is left untreated, it turns into periodontitis. This is moderate to severe gum disease, but the soft tissues in your mouth may start to recede, meaning they will pull away from your teeth. In intense cases, your teeth might also begin to feel loose. At this point, damage done can’t be reversed. However, your dentist will still be able to manage the infection with treatments like:

• Scaling & Root Planing: This service is designed to get rid of plaque and bacteria underneath your gumline. It’s also often called a deep dental cleaning.
• Periodontal Maintenance: Semi-annual visits may not be enough to manage your gum health, so checkups and cleanings every three to four months can prevent this condition from worsening.

So, Is Gum Disease Curable?

To make a long story short, gum disease may be curable if it’s caught early enough. You’ll be able to stop it before it progresses, but this may not be true in the advanced stages. Instead, your provider will be here to help you avoid it from getting worse. Regardless, they can watch for the early warning signs and get you toward a worry-free smile.

About the Practice

At CityLine Dental Center, our team is dedicated to helping patients in Richardson throughout their oral healthcare journey. Led by Dr. Melody Stampe and Dr. Tamara Gater, we are here to help you prevent gum disease with reliable treatments. We can make sure your grin stays in great shape, so you don’t have much to worry about. If your gums tend to bleed when you brush or floss, schedule an appointment or call our office at 972-231-9499.