Can a Periodontist Cure Gum Disease?

Although it may begin as slight puffiness or traces of blood when you brush or floss, if left untreated, gum disease can progress to receding tissue, bad breath, and even tooth loss. That’s why it’s so important to stop this preventable condition before it ever has the chance to get worse. But is it completely irreversible? Here’s what you need to know about gum disease, and how your periodontist can be instrumental in protecting your smile!

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that if not stopped, can infiltrate the tissues and cause a variety of dangerous health problems including tooth loss. It can also travel throughout the entire body, worsening conditions like diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease.

The first stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. This condition is usually completely reversible by simply brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Unfortunately, however, once it becomes more advanced, it can only be treated, not cured. This is known as periodontitis.

How Can My Dentist Treat Gum Disease?

If your gum disease has advanced to periodontitis, there are several ways to treat the symptoms. For example, if your teeth have a lot of plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gumline, scaling and root planing can remove this substance and allow your gums to healthily reattach to your teeth. Some patients may also benefit from antibacterial therapy, which is typically used in conjunction with scaling and root planing. This is an added layer of safety to kill any remaining dangerous oral bacteria the deep cleaning may have missed and decrease the risk of new infection forming going forward.

What are the Signs of Gum Disease?

While the best way to diagnose and treat gum disease is to visit your periodontist, it helps to be aware of the warning signs when caring for your smile at home. These may include:

• Red, puffy, or swollen gums.
• Bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth.
• Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
• Receding gums.
• Loose teeth or tooth loss.
• Changes to your bite or the positioning of the teeth.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your periodontist for an evaluation. While the good news is that gingivitis can be reversed if caught in time, waiting too long could cost you time, money, and your teeth!

Remember, your periodontist can help you prevent or stop gum disease from robbing you of your beautiful smile. If you notice any signs of this condition when you brush, don’t wait for it to get worse. Schedule a consultation with your periodontist today and protect your teeth and gums for a lifetime.

About Dr. Cordini

Born in Trieste, Italy, Dr. Franco Cordini has been a practicing periodontist here in the United States for over 20 years. He graduated from the Creighton University School of Dentistry and followed that with an extensive training program in periodontics at the University of Louisville. To schedule an appointment for gum disease treatment at Cordini Periodontics, visit our website or call 502-425-5010 today.