Can You Reverse Periodontal Disease?

Do you have bad breath and swollen and bleeding gums? These are some of the signs of periodontal disease. The oral condition can wreak havoc on your health and social life. Therefore, it is crucial to take care of your oral health to avoid such issues.

If you notice you are developing some of the symptoms of periodontal disease, it may seem scary. However, there is no cause for alarm. You only need to visit your dentist so that they can assess the extent of the damage. Periodontal disease is reversible in its early stages. Keep reading to learn the different ways you can reverse the condition.

Ways to Reverse Periodontal Disease

It is crucial that you first catch periodontal disease in its first stages. It gives you a chance to reverse it. Otherwise, the best you can do is slow it down. To repair the damage, you may have to go for surgery. 

If you catch it in its early stages, you can apply the following lifestyle changes and good oral habits. They will help you prevent the loss of your teeth and regain your confidence.

Quit Tobacco and Smoking

Whether you chew or smoke it, tobacco can irritate your gums. It also slows down the healing process when trying to reverse periodontal disease. Therefore, you will have to give up the habit. Quitting is also good for your health in multiple ways. It can also reduce your risk for cancer.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Periodontal disease is the result of poor oral hygiene. You will have to step up your oral routine to reverse this disease. You will have to incorporate flossing and brushing your teeth twice a day. If you have been doing it, you need to learn the proper technique. Brushing and flossing will help you remove the bacteria that cause plaque and tartar. 

Plaque and tartar hide underneath your gumline, and the toxins irritate your gums, causing inflammation. The inflammation results in swelling and bleeding in the early stages of periodontal disease. In the late stages, it results in gum recession, exposing the roots of your teeth to decay and cavities. Eventually, you may lose them. Step up your oral routine to prevent this loss.

Root Scaling and Planing

Deep cleaning is one of the vital steps you can take toward reversing periodontal disease. It involves the removal of plaque and tartar from between your teeth and underneath your gumline. The dentist numbs you before embarking on the procedure. They use different tools to scrape off the plaque and tartar, ensuring it all comes out. Sometimes, you may need several sessions. 

After the scaling, the doctor performs root planing to ensure that the plaque does not reoccur. It also allows the gums to reattach to the teeth, preventing exposure to the roots.

Use of Antibiotics

After the root scaling and planing, the dentist may directly administer an antibiotic to your gums. It helps them heal and get rid of any infection. They may also prescribe oral antibiotics. The use of antibiotics is vital as it helps kill any remaining bacteria, preventing the formation of plaque and tartar.

For more information on reversing periodontal disease, visit Castro Valley Dentistry at our office in Castro Valley, California. You can call (510) 674-0900 today to schedule an appointment.