Gum disease is a very common problem, and it can often be eliminated with the right treatment. In this article, we will discuss the different treatment options available for gum disease. We will also talk about the benefits of each option and how to choose the best one for you. So, if you are looking for information on how to eradicate gum disease, you have come to the right place!
Gum disease is typically caused by a build-up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva on your teeth. This is more commonly known as "plaque". Over time, this plaque can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar is much more difficult to remove than plaque and can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.
If tartar is not removed, it can lead to gingivitis, which is an early form of gum disease. Gingivitis causes the gums to become inflamed and bleed easily.
If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress into periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis destroys the tissues and bone that support the teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis can eventually lead to tooth loss.
As you can see, there are many stages of gum disease, so when we discuss "cures" to gum disease, we really need to be specific about what form of the disease we're talking about. Early versions of the disease, if left untreated, are most prominently experienced as gingivitis. Late-stage gum disease has the unfortunate characteristic of including necrotizing periodontal disease.
Whether people use the term "Cure" or "Treatment" is ultimately unimportant as both are somewhat fluid concepts when it comes to gum disease. The problem is that there's no one type of gum disease to be eliminated. To begin with, treating gingivitis is completely different than treating periodontitis. "Cure" assumes there is something definitive that can be completely eradicated. This is clearly not the case, which is why most professionals prefer the term "treatment" over "cure". Fortunately, gum disease is highly treatable.
The first step in treating gum disease is to remove the tartar from the teeth. This can be done by a professional dental cleaning or by scaling and root planning, which is a procedure that removes tartar from below the gum line. Once the tartar has been removed, your dentist will likely recommend that you use an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste to help control the bacteria in your mouth.
In some cases, your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection. If your case of gum disease is more severe, you may need to undergo surgery to clean out the infected areas and repair any damage that has been done.
The important thing to keep in mind is this is a spectrum of treatments. This begins with a light cleaning and ends, under the worst circumstances, in surgery. But most people will likely only deal with the lighter end of that spectrum. Especially if they regularly see their dentist!
Gum disease is a serious condition, but it is highly treatable. If you think you may have gum disease, be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible. With the right treatment, you can eliminate gum disease and keep your smile healthy for years to come!