How to Reverse Periodontitis

64.7 million American adults suffer from periodontal disease; that's almost 50% of the adult population.

We only get one set of teeth in life, so we have to make sure we make it last as long as we can. However, many of us focus on our teeth, and the gums get neglected.

What we fail to realize is our gum health is directly linked to our tooth health; if our gums are unhealthy, our teeth can be as well. This leads to issues that can even cause our teeth to fall out.

If you've been told you have periodontitis, it may seem scary. But the good news is, it's reversible.

Keep reading to find out the types of gum disease and the ways to reverse it so your oral health is great again.

There are two main types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Take a look below to learn more about each one.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is when your gums become inflamed ; you may have an infection as well. This happens because there's a buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth, which causes bacteria to thrive on your teeth and gums.

Usually, this happens because your oral hygiene isn't its best. You can also get gingivitis from certain medications and malnutrition. Or it may result from certain viruses, bacteria, fungi, and genetic factors.

You'll know you have gingivitis if your gums are swollen and red, are tender to the touch, bleed when you brush and/or floss, and you have bad breath.

With gingivitis, it won't cause any bone loss or gum recession. Most people don't even know they have this gum disease, which is why it's a good idea to get regular checkups with your dentist.

If you have gingivitis and it's left untreated, it can then develop into a more serious condition: periodontitis.

Periodontitis

When you let the bacteria feed on the plaque and tartar on your teeth, their population can grow exponentially. What was initially just gingivitis turns into periodontitis.

This gum disease will start destroying both your gums and your teeth. If you don't take action, your gums can recede so much that your teeth eventually fall out since they don't have enough gum tissue to hold onto.

When you have periodontitis, your gums will be swollen and red, tender to the touch, and will bleed easily. You'll also have bad breath, pus coming out your gums, painful chewing, and loose teeth. If you examine your teeth in the mirror, your teeth will look longer than normal; this is because of the gum's receding.

There are 3 types of periodontitis: chronic, aggressive, and necrotizing periodontal disease. Most people will have a chronic type, which can be fixed.

Aggressive periodontitis usually starts in childhood or early adulthood. A very small population gets this type of gum disease, but it's very rapid. It's crucial you take immediate action, or risk both bone and tooth loss.

Necrotizing periodontal disease is a serious condition where your gum tissue dies and you have a severe infection. Normally, people with compromised immune systems get this type.

The key thing to reversing gum disease is removing the tartar that's present on both the root of your teeth and under your gum line.

Periodontitis can't be reversed, only slowed down, while gingivitis can be reversed. This is why it's important to catch it in its early stages and prevent it from moving on to periodontitis.

Below are some ways you can reverse gingivitis so it doesn't progress into something more serious.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Make sure you brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day. Electric toothbrushes are better than manual ones since they can get rid of plaque more easily.

Also, floss after eating. Bacteria feed on the food stuck in your teeth, and by flossing, you remove their food source. Consider using dental picks, as not only can they remove bits of food, but they can also stimulate your gums to make them healthier.

Using mouth wash can be a good idea as well, since it can kill the bacteria in there. It can also help to loosen any leftover food particles.

Schedule Regular Dental Visits

Preventative care is essential when it comes to gum disease. Not only can the dentist check for cavities and other issues, but they can also get rid of tartar that your toothbrush isn't able to remove.

Quit Smoking or Chewing Tobacco

Tobacco use can irritate your gums, which can increase the symptoms you're feeling from periodontal disease. Quitting can be good for your health in multiple ways; not only can you reverse gum disease, but you can also reduce your risk of cancer.

Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry can preserve your gum tissue and help build your bone back through the stimulation of the stem cells there. It's quick and effective for killing infected tissue and the bacteria within it.

This is a minimally invasive procedure, which means you'll only need a little anesthesia (or none at all), plus your healing time will be significantly shorter.

Gingivitis isn't a permanent condition, so if you catch it early enough, you can reverse any damage done, restore oral health, and avoid periodontitis.

The main takeaway is you have to see a dentist regularly. And if you feel any pain or discomfort, make sure to schedule an appointment straight away. With proper diagnosis and professional instruction from a dentist, you can protect your pearly whites for years to come.