Can Periodontitis be cured? The short answer is no. Most cases of gum disease, especially periodontal disease, can’t be completely cured. And with roughly half the population having gum disease to some degree, the focus probably shouldn’t be on curing something so persistent and pervasive. That energy should be put into dental visits and lifestyle changes to ensure that gum disease is properly managed in Oakbrook, IL.

The Dangers Of Gum Disease

Oral health has a huge impact on overall health. This is why keeping a clean healthy mouth of gums and teeth, free of harmful bacteria or plaque buildup, is super important. Gum disease development occurs in stages, including:

• Excessive plaque/bacteria buildup
• Sign/symptoms begin and worsen
• Other organs can become affected

Excessive growth of these agents can lead to harmful toxin production that gets released into the bloodstream, causing periodontal, or gum, disease. When this occurs, associated symptoms such as gum swelling, tooth pain and discomfort, and bad breath can happen. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to many systemic health illnesses including diabetes, heart disease, tooth/bone loss, pregnancy complications, pancreatic cancer, and stroke.

Get Periodontitis Under Control

Gum disease progresses to periodontitis. Even the most diligent efforts made to brush and floss like clockwork everyday won’t stop the disease. At best, it’ll merely slow periodontitis. Patients will need professional help.

Here are some of the major procedures a dentist in Oakbrook, IL can deliver to help patients get periodontitis under control:

Tissue Grafting:

periodontitis can quickly eat away at gum tissue, but a dentist can graft new tissue in areas where a patient’s gums have been ravaged by the disease.

Crown Lengthening: 

For a tooth that has worn down too much, to the point it’s at the gum line or even below it, a dentist can reshape a patients teeth and gums to make more of the tooth visible – so patients will have more teeth in their smile and less gums.

Pocket Elimination: 

Typically performed when all non-surgical options have been ruled out, this procedure entails folding the gums back, trimming away diseased tissue and then re-contouring the gums against the teeth.

What You Can Do at Home

The best thing patients can do at home is diligently maintain their teeth and gums, which will become even more critical in the weeks and months following a procedure at the dentist’s office.

Tips For Preventing Periodontitis

Fortunately, periodontitis can be prevented quite easily. To help decrease a patient’s chances of getting gum disease or periodontitis in Oakbrook, IL a few easy steps can be started today, such as:

Regular Brushing And Flossing:

Brushing and flossing twice daily can significantly minimize a patient’s chances of getting gum disease.

Maintain A Healthy Diet:

Having a healthy diet, including vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and drinking plenty of water can help improve a patient’s oral health.

Eliminate Or Reduce Smoking:

Cigarette smoking can lead to unhealthy teeth and gums and should be avoided to help decrease the chances of developing gum disease and improve overall health.

Choose A Good Toothpaste:

A gum disease fighting, or gum disease preventative toothpaste should include fluoride and other plaque and bacteria eliminating agents to ensure a patient’s oral health remains in-tact.

Schedule A Consultation 

To properly heal and prevent new problems from occurring, your dentist will provide you with detailed aftercare steps to follow if you have gum disease and, if you have gum disease, how advanced it is. Get in contact with Dr. Amarik Singh and the team at our Periodontal Implant Associates office to schedule an appointment today!