Reviewed by Dr. Kerri Font, DDS
Reading time: four minutes.
The truth is, you cannot cure gum disease without professional help.
Gum disease is a sneaky oral health issue that starts small but can lead to serious problems like tooth loss, gum recession, and even bone loss. Sure, home remedies might offer temporary relief, but they cannot tackle the root of the problem.
In this blog, we will explain what gum disease is, the stages it progresses through, and why professional treatment is the only real solution.
Table of Contents
- What Is Gum Disease?
- Stages of Gum Disease
- Why You Cannot Treat Gum Disease Yourself
- What Will a Periodontist Do?
- How to Prevent Gum Disease
- FAQs
- Book Your Appointment with Our Periodontists in Highlands Ranch Today!
Key Takeaway
The only effective way to “cure” gum disease is through professional treatment from a periodontist. However, by improving your oral health routine, you can prevent the disease from worsening and protect your gums from further damage.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection caused by harmful bacteria in your mouth.
This bacteria builds up as a sticky film on your teeth called dental plaque. Over time, it causes inflammation in the gums, leading to redness, swelling, and bad breath.
If untreated, the infection can spread deeper, damaging gum tissue and bone structure.
Curious about your gums? Check out this blog: Healthy Gums vs. Unhealthy Gums: How to Tell the Difference
Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis (Earliest stage)
At this stage, you may experience mild gum inflammation. The signs include red, swollen gums and bleeding during brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis (Moderate stage)
As the disease progresses, the gum tissue starts to pull away, forming deep pockets. Symptoms include gum recession, loose teeth, and persistent bad breath.
Advanced Periodontitis
In this stage, there is severe damage to gum tissue and bone, which can result in tooth loss, gum infections, and even potential health issues like cardiovascular disease.
Why You Cannot Treat Gum Disease Yourself
You can try all the natural remedies and at-home tricks, but they will only mask symptoms temporarily.
Saltwater rinses may soothe inflammation, but they don’t stop bacterial growth.
Antimicrobial mouthwashes can reduce bacteria, but they cannot reverse the damage done.
Even coconut oil pulling, while it might have some antibacterial properties, isn’t a substitute for professional treatment.
To truly treat gum disease, you need a proper diagnosis and targeted interventions. A periodontist has the tools to reach deep pockets of bacteria and restore gum health.
What Will a Periodontist Do?
A periodontist is your best ally against gum disease.
The professional treatments you receive will depend on the stage of your gum disease.
For mild gum disease, deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing, will remove plaque buildup and smooth the tooth roots to prevent further bacterial growth.
In cases of moderate gum disease, the treatment might include antibiotics, antiseptic rinses, or additional deep cleaning to help treat gum infections.
For advanced gum disease, surgical procedures may be necessary, such as flap surgery to reduce deep pockets, gum grafts to regenerate lost tissue, and dental bone grafts to rebuild bone structure.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Prevention is always better than treatment.
The most important thing you can do to protect your gums is to maintain a solid oral care routine.
Make sure to brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss each day to clear food debris from between your teeth. Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can also assist in lowering bacterial plaque buildup.
Eat a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, dairy, and plenty of water to support your overall oral health.
Visit your dentist regularly to catch early signs of gum disease before they develop into something more serious.
FAQs
No, it cannot be healed naturally. Home remedies like saltwater rinses or coconut oil pulling may provide temporary relief, but they won’t treat the underlying infection or stop the disease from progressing.
The quickest way to get rid of the disease is by seeing a periodontist. Professional treatments such as deep cleaning, antibiotics, or surgery are necessary to properly treat the infection and prevent further damage.
No, you cannot fully treat the disease on your own. While maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent it, professional dental treatment is required to stop the disease and repair any damage.
| 💡 Did you know? Over 47% of adults in the United States have some form of gum disease! That’s almost half the population! Gum disease can sneak up on you if you’re not vigilant with your oral health. |
Book Your Appointment with Our Periodontists in Highlands Ranch Today!
Natural remedies might sound appealing, but they won’t solve the problem.
Gum disease requires professional treatment to prevent serious damage to your gum tissue and bone.To book an appointment at our periodontal clinic in Highlands Ranch, CO, call (303) 683-1144 or complete the online inquiry form. Our office is located at 9090 S Ridgeline Blvd #225, Highlands Ranch, CO.