1. Can periodontal disease be cured?

No, but the earlier gum disease is caught, the better. Your dentist’s main goal is to control and treat the infection. The number and types of treatments will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Some of the ways periodontitis may be treated are:

a) Through deep-cleaning measures, known as scaling and root planning, which involves scraping and eliminating plaque and tartar from the teeth, above and underneath the gum line.

b) Mouth washes and gels are common antibiotics that may also be often used along with other treatments to stop the infection and inflammation.

c) Complex cases of periodontitis may require surgery, where the gums will be opened to clean diseased gum pockets and then stitched back to fit more tightly around the teeth.

d) Lastly, If gum tissue is too diseased to sew back together, healthy gum tissue may be removed from a different part of the mouth and stitched where needed, this is also known as gingival grafting.

However, it is important to keep in mind that any type of treatment will always require that the patient keep up good healthy daily habits at home.


2. What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums, the early phase of gum disease, and it’s the easiest to treat. The gums become red, swollen and may bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild type of gum disease that may usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular visits to your dentist.


3. What is the cause of gum disease?

The central cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, soft, thin layer that frequently forms on the teeth and gums. Nonetheless, other factors have also been linked to the health of your gums.

Tobacco users are at a higher risk for periodontal disease, and despite health habits, 30% of the population is susceptible to gum disease due to genetics. For women, it is important to keep their dental habits up to par, especially during periods of hormonal changes in which body tissues become more vulnerable, including the gums. Stress is also highly correlated to periodontal disease, considering that stress makes it hard for the body to fight off infection and disease. Similarly, some medications, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medications, can also distress your oral health. Clenching or grinding your teeth may put excess force on the gums which can destroy periodontal tissue. Diabetes patients may also be at higher risk for developing gum disease due to their high susceptibility to develop infection. Lastly, poor nutrition and obesity will decrease your body’s ability to fight infection.


4. What happens if gum disease is not treated?

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth and bone loss or cause permanent damage to your teeth and jaw.


5. Once I have had periodontal disease, can I get it again?

Yes, It is essential to have regular perio-maintenance visits every three months following treatment, in addition to good dental habits at home. If poor oral hygiene increases then the condition may re-emerge once again. Regular visits to the dentist are crucial for the well being of your gums and teeth.