While gum disease is treatable, it is not completely curable. Engaging in the same destructive oral health routine can cause a new buildup of dental plaque that causes periodontitis. Periodontitis can come back as soon as two to four months after treatment. The best way to ensure that periodontitis does not come back is to have maintenance therapy.
Treating Gingivitis
Before the progression to periodontitis, you will experience gingivitis or gum disease. At the earliest stage, gum disease is still easy to treat. More often than not, you can treat gingivitis at home using proper dental hygiene practices. The routine should involve brushing your teeth for at least two minutes twice daily and using mouthwash. You should also floss at least once to eliminate bacteria from between your teeth and around the gum line that is sometimes inaccessible for your toothbrush.
Treating Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease. If left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis, which destroys the structures supporting your teeth. Luckily, there are several effective ways to treat periodontitis. You can choose a non-surgical method or a surgical method, usually depending on the severity of your case.
If periodontitis is not too severe, your dentist can suggest scaling and root planing to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Your dentist will then use special tools to smooth down your tooth roots below the gumline to prevent future periodontitis.
Preventing Periodontitis From Coming Back
A few oral hygiene practices that take a few minutes out of your day can prevent periodontal disease from entering your oral cavity. You can even give your routine dental care a little extra punch by using antibacterial mouthwash designed to fight the bacteria known to cause periodontitis. Finally, visit your dentist at least twice a year for deep cleaning and routine checks.
Visit Us Today
Periodontal disease impacts your oral and overall health. This should not be the case because periodontal disease is preventable and treatable. Visit us today and have our dentists check your teeth and gums for oral issues.
