A recent YouGov Profile found that only 51% of Americans brush their teeth twice a day. It is one of the most basic oral care recommendations dentists provide, and the portion of the population that follows it is less likely to experience oral health issues.
Only around 11% of them have gum disease. Compare that to around 14% for those who only brush once a day.
Read on to learn the answers to your questions about this connection. Can gum disease be reversed or prevented? What role does dental hygiene play in the process?
What Is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the most common conditions that a general dentist sees in their practice. It is an infection of the gums. It is most often caused by a buildup of plaque that hardens into tartar that is not removed by proper oral care.
Other potential causes include:
Autominnue deficiencies
Viruses
Oral trauma
Gum disease is a progressive condition. The situation worsens as the infection progresses if it is not treated correctly.
There are four stages. The earliest one is gingivitis. Your gums may be swollen or tender. They may also begin to bleed, especially when brushing or flossing.
The condition worsens without proper treatment. You may notice gum recession and more bleeding.
Advanced periodontal disease is the worst and most painful stage. The structures holding your teeth in place have begun to deteriorate, so your natural teeth may fall out. Another common symptom is halitosis or bad breath.
How Dental Hygiene Prevents Gum Disease
Maintaining good dental hygiene is the most effective way to prevent gum recession and infection.
Brushing removes the top layer of plaque, and flossing gets in between. Finishing with a mouthwash helps remove any residue that may be left behind.
Gum health improvement can also lead to overall health improvement. Periodontitis increases the risk of:
Heart disease
Stroke
Diabetes
Gum disease can also turn into a systemic infection that spreads throughout your bloodstream, known as sepsis. According to the CDC, sepsis takes at least 350,000 lives every year.
Your dentist can spot the infection early. They will treat it before it progresses into its later stages. That is why getting regular dental checkups is an essential part of preventing gum disease. They can also provide you with oral hygiene tips, such as the best brushing techniques or recommendations on which toothpaste to use.
Can Gum Disease Be Reversed?
The question remains about what to do if you already have an infection developing. Can gum disease be reversed?
The answer depends on how serious the condition has become. Early-stage gum disease can be cured, but later-stage Periodontitis is not reversible and requires treatment. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent it from progressing.
Adequate dental care removes any existing plaque on your teeth before it can create an infection. A dentist can spot the infection at the earliest stages before it becomes serious. A dental cleaning removes plaque you may have missed.
Avoid risk factors such as smoking or drinking too much alcohol. Avoid consuming excessive amounts of sticky or sweet foods. They can turn into plaque on your teeth and gums, triggering an infection.
When to Seek Treatment
Early gum disease is a stealthy illness because it can often remain undetected in the background. Do not ignore the signs you need treatment.
They may occur early or later in the progression of the infection, but the goal is to catch them as early as possible. Signs to seek gum disease treatment include:
Red or swollen gums
Bleeding
Receding
Persistent halitosis
Tenderness or sensitivity
Darkness or discoloration
Your general dentist is the first person you should visit. They can assess the stage of the condition.
You may also want to see a periodontist. They are gum specialists who can help you find the best treatment, regardless of the stage your condition is at.
The Best New Gum Disease Treatment Option: LANAP
Traditional methods of gum disease treatment involved antibiotics or a thorough dental cleaning if the infection was not too widespread and painful. Surgery was necessary if it progressed to severe stages.
There are other options available today thanks to new technology. One of the best is the Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure or LANAP.
What the LANAP Procedure Involves
LANAP laser gum treatment is a specialized method that targets diseased gum tissue but leaves healthy gums intact. It triggers the body's natural healing response. This helps to regenerate lost bone and gums.
Choosing LANAP for Periodontitis provides a less invasive option. The precision of the laser enables precise targeting with minimal surgery. All this is completed in only one or two sessions. The recovery process is smooth after a few days of eating soft food or liquids.
Benefits of LANAP
LANAP stands as an alternative to other gum disease treatment options. It is less invasive than surgery and more effective than antibiotics in severe cases.
LANAP has several significant benefits over traditional methods, including:
Minimal bleeding
Minimal discomfort
Faster healing times
Reduced risk of infection
Proof Supporting LANAP
The reported benefits may not be enough to convince you if you have not seen the procedure yourself. The idea of using a laser may seem frightening. That is in addition to the fear many patients have of going to the dentist.
You may be skeptical, and you would not be the only one. LANAP professionals have been battling skeptics since its introduction in 1999. The science behind it has proven them all wrong.
The procedure consistently provided impactful results, as demonstrated by case studies. The before-and-after results speak for themselves.
It is still not a standard treatment method. You will not see it at every general dentistry practice, but the ones that do understand its worth.
Find a General Dentist for Gum Disease Treatment in Columbia, MD Today
Gum disease is one of the most common dental conditions, but can it be reversed? Proper dental care is the best way to manage it.
Smile Savers Dentistry has been providing personalized dental care since 1989. We make you feel like family by making our practice as comfortable as possible.
We continually explore the latest technology and treatments to deliver the best results. We are the only general dentist in Columbia, MD that offers LANAP procedures for gum disease. Come in for the dental care experience you deserve today.
