Why is Gum Disease Irreversible?

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.