It can be scary to find out that you have gum disease. Poor oral hygiene and other factors can affect your gums, infecting and receding them. You might not even notice you have gingivitis until the diagnosis. Hence, many people wonder if gingivitis is reversible. In this blog, we will discuss all gingivitis and if it is curable or not. Carry on reading to learn!
What is Gingivitis?
Gum disease occurs in stages. Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal or gum disease, often resulting in signs like redness, irritation, and swelling in your gums. When bacteria and plaque collect on your teeth, leading to the destruction of the gum tissue. Other factors like infections, allergies, and illness can also result in gingivitis. If not treated on time, gingivitis can progress into a more serious type of gum disease, periodontitis.
Gingivitis itself, especially in the early stages, might be reversible or curable with proper dental care. Still, once it progresses into periodontitis, you will need professional dental treatment for recovery.
Signs of Gingivitis
If you have gingivitis, the following symptoms will occur:
- Puffy or swollen gums
- Redness in gums
- Bleeding gums
- Gum recession
- Tenderness in gums
Consult a periodontist as soon as you notice gingivitis symptoms. Even if you notice one or two symptoms, it’s better to let an oral healthcare provider know. They can guide you better on the best techniques to reverse your condition, given that gingivitis is in the reversible stage.
Causes of Gingivitis
Routine brushing ensures that your teeth and gums remain clean, eliminating any bacteria or plaque build-up. Over time, if not removed, plaque hardens into tartar. Your gums might experience irritation due to tartar. Neglecting treatment can cause gingivitis.
Poor dental care is the most common reason gingivitis occurs. However, factors like pregnancy, menopause, puberty, smoking, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and more can lead to gingivitis. This is why it is recommended not to miss out on your regular dental cleanings with the dentist. Moreover, preventive measures can help reduce the chances of gingivitis. Usually, early-stage gingivitis is reversible with the help of a proper oral care regime and lifestyle changes.
Gingivitis Treatment: Is it Reversible?
Your regular dental examinations help the dentist determine if there’s any issue with your oral health. Nevertheless, sometimes, problems can arise in your gums and teeth. If you get diagnosed within the initial stages of gingivitis, it might be reversible! Since gingivitis is not responsible for any lasting damage to your teeth or gums, there’s slight hope for a cure.
Reversing gingivitis might be possible with the help of a dental specialist because, at this stage, no damage to the roots of teeth or gum has occurred. This is why it’s crucial to take care of gingivitis straight away. Once gingivitis progresses to advanced gum disease, it will not be reversible. You’ll need treatments like scaling and root planing, gum graft surgery, etc., for periodontitis.
What’s the Takeaway?
In conclusion, gingivitis is reversible in its early stages. Hence, you should check in with a periodontist if you notice gingivitis symptoms. They can guide you on the best way to eliminate gum disease.
Do you suspect gum disease? Contact Brenham Family Dental now! Dial (979) 421-9685 to book an appointment with our specialists. You can also drop by 2001 South Market Street, Brenham, TX 77833, to visit our dental clinic.