Reversing Gum Disease: How to Turn Back the Clock on Oral Health

27 November 2024

Reversing Gum Disease: How to Turn Back the Clock on Oral Health

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is extremely common. According to the latest figures (2021), over half of the British population have signs of the condition. In simple terms, gum disease is an infection of the tissues holding the teeth in place that makes them swollen, tender and inflamed. But there’s nothing simple about gum disease. In fact, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss. This article explores ways of preventing or reversing gum disease and why it poses a significant threat to dental health.

There are two stages of gum disease – gingivitis and periodontitis. Both stages spell bad news for your oral health and should never be ignored as they can quickly escalate into more serious problems including bone and tooth loss.

Gingivitis:

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that gets its name from the gingiva, the part of the gum around the base of the teeth; it’s typically caused by poor oral hygiene. Other factors that raise the risk of developing gingivitis include:

• Old age
• Dry mouth
• Poor nutrition and insufficient vitamin C
• Certain medications
• Conditions that lower immunity such as HIV/AIDS, leukaemia, cancer treatments

Gingivitis or periodontal disease, as it’s also called, is when the gums become inflamed. You may also have an infection. It’s caused by an accumulation of plaque and tartar on the teeth, causing bacteria to thrive on the teeth and gums.

The symptoms include swelling, tenderness and gums that are darker than usual. You may also notice your gums bleed randomly such as when brushing or flossing your teeth or biting into hard food. With gingivitis, there is no immediate threat of gum recession or bone loss. As a matter of fact, most people aren’t aware they have the condition, which is why regular check-ups are so important. However, without treatment, gingivitis can escalate into the second and most dangerous stage of gum disease – periodontitis.

Periodontitis:

Plaque is a colourless, sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Without removal, plaque can harden just below the gumline into tartar acting as a magnet for bacteria. Tartar irritates the gumline and can’t be removed by brushing, necessitating a visit to the hygienist for a professional cleaning.

The longer plaque and tartar go untreated, the faster the bacteria grow and what was initially gingivitis turns into periodontitis –  a more severe stage of gum disease that starts destroying your gums and teeth. Without treatment, the gums will recede so badly that your teeth may loosen and fall out since there is insufficient gum to support them.

By now, your gums will bleed more freely and be tender to the touch. There will also be pus coming out from the gums, causing bad breath, pain when chewing and loose teeth. If you look in the mirror, your teeth will also appear longer because the gums have receded.

So now you know the different stages of gum disease and its impact on oral health, let’s return to the focal point of this article:

Reversing Gum Disease

The key to reversing gum disease is the removal of tartar that is both below the gum line and on the roots of the teeth.

Unfortunately, periodontitis cannot be reversed but it can be managed with the proper treatment and consistent, diligent oral care.

Gingivitis can be reversed which is why it’s so important to take action before it develops into periodontitis. Here are some tips for reversing gingivitis so it can’t progress any further.

#1 Preventative Care

Of course, the best way to reverse gum disease is to not get it in the first place! While this might sound like a tall order, you can avoid gum disease by practising good oral hygiene. This means brushing the teeth thoroughly twice each day for a minimum of two minutes and flossing once a day. By doing so, bacteria and food debris that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay are removed, making way for a cleaner, healthier mouth. Here’s a handy guide we wrote a while back explaining how to brush properly.

In addition, you should visit the dentist twice a year (or as recommended by your dentist) for a dental check-up. These appointments give you an insight into the health of your mouth, teeth and gums and enable the dentist to monitor any notable changes or concerns since your last check-up.

#2 Regular Dental Check-ups

Regular dental check-ups mean an early diagnosis of dental issues such as gum disease. Like any dental condition, early diagnosis and treatment promote a better outcome. Treating gingivitis in its early stages is critical to prevent it from causing more severe problems further down the line that can significantly compromise your oral health and damage your wallet!

#3 Scaling and Planing

Scaling and planing refer to deep cleaning procedures below the gum line and are key to reversing gum disease (gingivitis) before it progresses to periodontitis. Scaling removes stubborn tartar while planing refers to smoothing the tooth roots to help them re-attach to the teeth. Both procedures are performed under a local anaesthetic and may require more than one visit.

Maintaining good oral care at home is essential following scaling and planing to prevent gum disease from recurring. It should also be combined with eating a balanced diet and regular dental visits.

#4 Laser Periodontal Therapy

Should your situation get to the point where significant gum recession has occurred due to gingival infections or periodontitis, your dentist may recommend laser gum contouring.

This is an advanced procedure offered by Cheadle Hulme that uses a laser to recontour and reshape the gums to remove any pockets that trap bacteria and food debris. Without treatment, it can leave the teeth vulnerable to tooth decay.

#5 Laser gum surgery

When periodontal disease takes hold, the gums shrink, leaving the teeth and roots exposed, causing pain and sensitivity. With laser gum surgery, our dentists can reconstruct missing gum and protect the exposed teeth.

These are both minimally invasive procedures and require little, if any, anaesthetic and a short healing time.

Keep your gums healthy and free from periodontal disease

Remember, gingivitis isn’t a permanent condition and, if you catch it in time, you can restore any damage it may have done, get your oral health back on track and avoid periodontitis.

The key to preventing gum disease is to visit your dentist regularly. If you notice the symptoms of gum disease, get in touch with the experienced dental team at Cheadle Hulme right away. With a proper diagnosis and professional instructions from our dentists, you can protect your smile for years to come.

Call us on 0161 486 0743 or use our online booking system.