Gum disease is an incredibly common oral health concern. Also known as periodontal disease, it has two main stages: early gum disease (gingivitis) and late-stage gum disease (periodontitis). While gingivitis can be treated, periodontitis is much more destructive, so it’s important to catch gum disease in the early stages before it has the chance to progress.

With proper care and timely action, you can reverse gingivitis and restore your gum health. In this blog post, we’ll explore the stages of gum disease, steps you can take to reverse it in its early stages, and how to prevent its recurrence. 

Understanding Gingivitis

Gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar due to bacteria in the mouth, often as a result of poor oral hygiene. 

When bacteria are allowed to thrive in the mouth, they feed on food residue — especially sugar — and produce plaque, which is the filmy substance that coats your teeth. While plaque can be removed through brushing and flossing, if it remains too long, it can harden and form tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.

All that bacteria infects the gums, causing swelling, redness, tenderness, bleeding during brushing or flossing, and persistent bad breath. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, causing more severe symptoms including gum recession, bone loss, and even loose teeth.

Steps to Reverse Early Gum Disease

The good news is that gingivitis is highly treatable with the right care. If you address gum disease early enough, you can prevent the destruction of periodontitis and restore your gum health. Let’s take a look at the most effective ways to reverse gingivitis.

Improve Oral Hygiene Habits

Reversing gingivitis requires proper oral hygiene habits. You’ve heard it all before — brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to get rid of food particles and plaque. Pay special attention to the gumline as you brush, ensuring that no spots are left uncleaned. 

You also need to floss every day to remove plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth. It’s also a good idea to rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria. For more information about mouthwash, check out our previous blog post, “Do I Really Need to Use Mouthwash?”

Professional Dental Cleaning

Another key component of gingivitis treatment is professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be addressed at home. Experts recommend visiting your dentist’s office every six months for thorough cleanings by dental hygienists. These appointments also give the dentist a chance to check for signs of oral health issues like gum disease and provide expert advice. 

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

In addition to at-home and in-office treatment, diet and lifestyle changes can also be effective for reversing gingivitis. Vitamins C and D are known to support gum health, so make sure you eat a balanced diet rich in these essential nutrients. 

Avoid sugary snacks and drinks that feed harmful bacteria. If you do indulge in a sweet treat, brush your teeth as soon as possible afterward. You should also quit smoking, as it weakens the immune system and makes it harder for your body to fight off gum disease. 

Treat Underlying Conditions

If you have a systemic health issue like diabetes that’s contributing to your gum disease, make sure you’re not neglecting your systemic health. Getting these conditions under control will help improve the health of your whole body — including your gums.

Signs You’re on the Right Track

Reversing gingivitis can take some time, but with diligence and care, you should start to see signs of improvement, including:

• Reduced gum inflammation, tenderness, and swelling
• Less bleeding during brushing and flossing
• Fresher breath and a cleaner mouthfeel

Preventing the Recurrence of Gum Disease

Once you’ve gotten your gingivitis under control, it’s important to prevent it from coming back. The key to effective oral care is consistency. Don’t abandon the good habits you built just because your gums are in good shape! Keep attending your dentist appointments twice a year and communicate with your dentist about any concerns. 

Find Relief from Gingivitis with Help from Eric Felt DDS

If you think you may have gum disease, contact the team at Eric Felt DDS right away to schedule an appointment. With our help, you can restore your gum health and prevent serious damage to your teeth and gums. Give us a call at 801-533-9879 today to get started. 

Picture this: You have a minor toothache that’s been bothering you for a while, but going to the dentist is too much hassle. Maybe you’ve been meaning to schedule that check-up, but life keeps getting in the way. Sound familiar? 

It’s incredibly easy to delay dental care, telling yourself you’ll get to it later when you have more time. Despite how many people find themselves procrastinating essential dental care, delaying treatment can have serious consequences — not just for your oral health, but your overall health. 

At Eric Felt DDS, we want you to have all the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your dental health. That’s why we wrote this blog post that explains the risks of postponing dental care, how minor issues can quickly become major problems, and why early treatment can save you time, money, and discomfort.

Minor Dental Issues Don’t Stay Minor

Everyone has experienced minor dental issues, from mild gum inflammation to occasional sensitivity. You may think that if you ignore the problem for long enough, it will go away on its own; however, this is rarely the case. In fact, these common issues tend to worsen over time without intervention:

• Cavities: Tooth decay can spread, destroying tooth enamel and even leading to tooth loss. Left untreated, even the tiniest cavities can turn into major infections that require root canals to prevent them from spreading to the jawbone or neighboring teeth.
• Gingivitis: Early-stage gum disease can progress to periodontitis, which can cause bone loss, loose teeth, and receding gums.
• Chipped or cracked teeth: Small cracks can grow over time, leading to sensitivity, pain, and structural damage. 

The Cost of Delaying Treatment

As you can see, minor issues can easily escalate into significant problems. That’s why it’s better to seek prompt dental care. Early intervention may be inconvenient, but it’s simpler, faster, and less costly in the long run.

For example, a filling for a small cavity is much less expensive and invasive than a root canal or crown. Similarly, periodontal maintenance is far simpler than addressing bone loss. If damage progresses to the point where restorations like implants, bridges, or dentures are necessary, you’re left with a significant bill that could have been avoided with early intervention.

How Delayed Dental Care Affects Your Overall Health

Your body’s systems don’t operate independently of each other. They are linked together in complex ways, and what affects one part of the body can have ripple effects on the others. This means that your oral health and overall health are intrinsically linked — if you delay necessary dental care, you could be putting your systemic health at risk.

The impact of gum disease is especially significant. Untreated gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and potentially contribute to arterial plaque formation, restricting blood flow. Gum disease can also increase blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for those with diabetes. 

Additionally, missing or painful teeth can make it difficult to eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Without essential nutrients, your body cannot function properly, leading to a whole host of issues. 

Why Preventive Care is Key

When it comes to avoiding major issues, preventive dental care is key. There’s a reason dentists recommend check-ups and cleanings twice a year — these appointments allow your dentist to catch potential issues early, remove plaque and tartar to prevent gum disease, and ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy for years to come.

Your at-home dental hygiene habits are another part of preventive care. Brushing and flossing are crucial for keeping your mouth healthy and your smile bright. Your dentist can give you personalized advice about what to incorporate into your daily routine to ensure your unique oral health needs are met.

Comprehensive Dental Care to Protect Your Smile

If it’s been a while since your last appointment and you’re apprehensive about receiving dental care, don’t be — our team at Eric Felt DDS is here to help, not judge. We encourage you to take the first step toward getting your oral health back on track by contacting us to schedule an appointment. 

Remember that when it comes to dental care, it’s better late than never. Don’t wait until your oral health gets out of control — the sooner you come in, the better. Your future self will thank you!

Almost half of adults in the United States have periodontal disease in some form. Whether they have bleeding gums, deep pockets, or gum recession, periodontitis can make caring for teeth more complex and uncomfortable. But if you don’t know what caused it, how to prevent it, or what treatment options are available, it can be difficult to avoid and recover. 

In this blog, we’ll review some of the most frequently asked questions about periodontal disease to help patients better understand this ailment and avoid recurring gum problems. 

1. What is Periodontal Disease? 

Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums and supporting structure of teeth. It starts as gingivitis and may progress into more severe periodontitis, which can be incredibly detrimental to oral health if left unaddressed. 

2. Is Developing Gum Disease Common? 

Developing periodontitis is incredibly common among adults across the United States. In a survey done by the Center for Disease Control, it is estimated that approximately 47% of adults have gum disease. This number jumps dramatically when looking at the oral health of individuals over 65, with over 70% of these individuals dealing with periodontal disease in some form. 

3. What Causes This Disease? 

The primary cause of periodontal disease is a buildup of plaque and tartar along your gum line. Some other factors that may contribute to the development of this disease include poor oral hygiene habits, consumption of tobacco products, genetic predisposition, some medical conditions, and hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause. 

4. What are the Early Signs of Periodontitis? 

In its earliest stages, gum disease is characterized by red, swollen gums. You may also notice your gums bleeding more frequently when brushing and flossing. Some patients also experience frequent bad breath, even when brushing often and thoroughly, and sensitivity when brushing or flossing.

5. Can You Have It Without Presenting Symptoms? 

Yes, it is possible to begin developing gum disease without any noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may become clearer. By scheduling regular dental cleanings, you can catch this disease before it begins presenting symptoms, protecting you from severe periodontitis. 

6. How is It Diagnosed? 

If your gums bleed while you brush or floss, you might want to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Once there, your dentist will examine your gums, measure the depth of your gum pockets, and take X-rays to assess bone loss around your teeth. This will help them determine the extent of your periodontal disease and begin crafting a treatment plan. 

7. Can You Cure It? 

Early-stage gingivitis can be cured with appropriate dental treatment from a reliable team. However, once your gingivitis turns into periodontal disease and begins to impact the bones supporting your teeth, the disease can no longer be cured. Instead, at that point, the disease can be managed to prevent additional damage to your smile. 

8. What Does Treatment Look Like? 

Treatment for periodontal disease will vary based on its severity. Your dental team may need to perform root scaling, which involves cleaning the tooth beneath your gum line and smoothing the gums down. If you’re experiencing gum recession or bone loss, you may need gum or bone grafts to support restorative treatments like dental implants or bridges. 

9. How Do I Protect My Teeth? 

Brushing and flossing regularly is the easiest way to protect your smile from periodontal disease. You should brush your teeth thoroughly for at least two minutes twice daily. You should also floss to remove tough food particles, bacteria, plaque, and tartar. If you use tobacco products, it is best to discontinue this use and schedule twice-yearly dental checkups. 

10. Will You Lose Teeth If You Have Periodontitis? 

If you have early-stage gingivitis, you are not at risk of losing your teeth. However, as it develops into severe periodontitis, you open the door to potential tooth loss. As your jawbone degrades, your tooth may become loose, which can cause you to lose one or more teeth. With gum and bone grafts, you may be able to prevent this tooth loss. 

11. Does It Affect Other Parts of Your Body? 

If you are experiencing gum disease, you may not have to worry about it affecting other parts of your body. However, as the infection becomes more severe, it may impact your overall health. The gum inflammation may increase your risk of developing heart disease or endocarditis. The bacteria may also make it difficult to control diabetes and may cause respiratory illnesses. 

12. Are Some People At an Increased Risk of Developing Periodontitis? 

Yes, some individuals are at an increased risk of developing periodontitis. Individuals may be genetically predisposed to develop this condition, even if they follow a strict oral hygiene routine. Those who regularly use tobacco products, have diabetes, or experience hormone changes may also develop peridontitis more frequently than those who do not. 

13. Should Children Be Concerned About Periodontal Disease?

While it is uncommon for children to develop more severe gum disease, you should still be concerned about it. Children who get periodontitis may struggle with jaw misalignment and bite problems. In addition to the oral impact, your child may deal with self-esteem problems and growth problems as a result of this gum disease. 

Protect Your Smile with Eric Felt, DDS. 

By taking a proactive approach to gum care, you can protect yourself from developing periodontal disease. Our team at Eric Felt DDS has years of experience helping patients treat gum disease at every stage. Whether you’re dealing with minor bleeding or more severe gum pockets, we can help you address it all, restoring your gum health. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team to address your concerns about your gum health, contact us today.