In order to
understand why gum disease is irreversible, it is important to understand what
is defined as gum disease. In general, gum disease is broken up into three
stages. The first and simplest form is also known as gingivitis and is
reversible. The latter two stages technically known as periodontitis and
advanced periodontitis are permanent.
How is Gingivitis Correctible?
Breathe a
sigh of relief when your dentist tells you that you have Gingivitis. It isn't a
good report, but know that with a bit of dedication to your teeth and gums, you
can reverse this early stage of gum disease. Plaque has built up around the
base of the tooth where it meets the gum line. This tartar irritates the gum
and creates inflammation and bleeding during regular brushing and flossing.
During this
beginning stage, the bone and tissue have not been affected at this point and
with a hygienists help to clean the area and your dedication to keep the area
clean, healthy gum tissue will heal.
Periodontitis is treatable but not reversible
This second
stage of gum disease is permanent. The plaque has built up enough to damage gum
tissue and bone. The bone and tissue that helps hold your tooth in place will
not back to a healthy place. This stage is often described as having ‘pockets’
around the teeth. Food and plaque get trapped in these pockets and promote
further damage and potential infection.
Deep
cleaning is a dental procedure that will clean these pockets. Why is it
irreversible? Cleaning the pockets does not remove the gap between your gums
and teeth. What it does is prevent the pocket from growing but then leaves the
patient responsible for keeping the areas as clean as possible. Routine visits
can help stop the spreading of Periodontitis to the advanced level, but will
remain a condition to care for forever.
Tooth Loss is Possible with Advance Periodontitis
Letting your
condition worsen to this final stage of gum disease and you will be fighting to
keep your teeth in your mouth. The pockets have grown and fibers and bone that
support the tooth are now destroyed. Teeth can shift and loosen in this
advanced stage. Patients might have their teeth saved with aggressive treatment
but in the end, affected teeth may have to be removed.
At-home care
is a much more involved process but essential if you want to save your teeth. Your
dentist may suggest root planning to help treat the gaps and make it more
difficult for food and plaque to get in, but regular checkups and daily
cleaning regimens are a must to keep the area from further damage.
Dr. Gulati
educates her patients to spot signs and symptoms in the earliest stages. As a
family dentist, she makes it her priority to stay abreast with physical health
issues that may contribute to the advancement of gum disease. If you live in or
around the Fremont, CA area and want to know more about what to look out for or
if your discomfort can be reversed, contact Dr. Gulati and schedule an
appointment today.