Have you suddenly noticed that your gums appear red, puffy or swollen? Do they feel tender when touched? Do they bleed easily when you floss or brush or do you notice pink on your toothbrush after brushing? Does it feel increasingly painful to chew? If so, you may be wondering if you have gum disease, and most importantly, is gum disease curable?
Different Stages
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should make an appointment to see a dentist as soon as possible. There are different stages of gum disease and only a dentist can properly diagnose you. Your best chance at curing gum disease is to catch it early.
Gingivitis
If you’ve been diagnosed with gingivitis, or early stage gum disease, the answer to the question, “Is gum disease curable?” is typically yes, with proper and prompt treatment. Gum disease at this stage can often be reversed by a professional dental cleaning, followed by a good home care regimen of daily brushing, flossing and mouthwash.
Periodontitis
If your gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, or a more advanced stage, the good news is that it is treatable. Once again, the earliest intervention possible is crucial. Your dentist may recommend regular deep cleanings as well as more intensive treatment, depending on how it has progressed. The good news is that despite periodontitis being a more advanced form of gum disease, treatment can help limit further progression of the disease and relieve your discomfort and other symptoms.
Diagnosis is Important
If you’re wondering, is gum disease curable in your case? It may be, if you act early. Your dentist can measure your gums to check for inflammation and tell you if you have gum disease and if it’s still reversible or treatable. Your dentist can also prescribe a treatment plan specific to your needs and may suggest tools that could be helpful to care for your gums and manage your symptoms.
Call your dentist as soon as possible if you are experiencing any symptoms that you feel concerned about or think may point to gum disease. Regardless of if your gums are healthy or if you are suffering from gum disease of any stage, it’s always an important time to learn how to best care for your gums to prevent problems with your gums or teeth in the future.
Call our Arvada Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.