Did you know that around 65 million people in the USA suffer from gum disease? Whether mild, severe, or moderate, gum disease diagnosis should be taken seriously at all costs. That’s because depending on the type of gum disease, you could either cure it or suffer from serious consequences.
If proper care and treatment are not taken, you might as well be on the path of losing your teeth. But don’t worry; before you hit the panic button, we’ll tell you all that you need to know about gum disease and how to cure it.
What Are The Two Different Types of Gum Disease?
Neglecting to take care of your oral hygiene can cause your gums to deteriorate, thanks to plaque and tartar clinging onto your pearly whites. This is what ultimately leads to gum disease. However, depending on your condition, you could be suffering from either of its two types:
- Gingivitis
A bit on the milder side, gingivitis is the type of gum disease that can be cured with ease. It starts with an odd tenderness in your gums, causing them to swell up. Rather than brushing this off, though, you need to be on the lookout, especially since the redness acts as a warning sign. It signals the presence of gingivitis. - Periodontitis
When gingivitis is not treated, it slowly transforms into a much more dangerous type of gum disease — periodontitis. Besides sharing symptoms similar to gingivitis, periodontitis can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and harmful abscesses.
With either type of gum disease, you can identify the red flags by paying close attention to the taste of your mouth and the way your breath smells.
Can Gum Disease Be Cured?
Due to the advancements in medical technology, dentists can now cure gum disease. However, that is limited to gingivitis only. That is to say, the serious effects of gingivitis can be fully reversed, such as tender gums, swelling, pain, etc. On the other hand, periodontitis is irreversible yet still requires necessary treatment. Your dentist may work on reducing the infection.
But in some cases, you could lose a tooth or two in the process. Moreover, for extremely severe cases, gum grafting is yet another restorative option. One that can help fix receding gums.
Can You Cure Gum Disease With Antibiotics?
Antibiotics play a major part in helping treat gum disease, no matter if it’s gingivitis or periodontitis. Although they can’t be used exclusively as a form of treatment, they do provide relief. Additionally, they also work on fighting off the bacteria internally. This aids in healing the affected area, soothing the tenderness, and minimizing swelling.
What’s The Takeaway?
In conclusion, a milder version of gum disease can be cured. But if your symptoms have advanced to the point of no return, then gum surgery might be a better solution. Either way, it’s safe to say that no matter what, you can cure your gum disease. For more information or in case of scheduling an appointment, contact Hermosa Dentistry at any of our following locations. We promise to deliver wow experiences all year round.
E. Little York: (713) 695-3400
Highway 6: (832) 427-1797
Porter: (281) 747-7004
Tomball: (832) 328-5651