Can you reverse periodontal disease?

Gum disease is a progressive condition that affects approximately half of adults over 30 years old, but it can start at any age. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause various oral health problems ranging from bad breath to tooth loss. It is also linked to several serious health problems, including heart attacks and strokes. While advanced periodontitis can only be slowed down and not completely cured, it is possible to reverse gum disease in its earliest stage (called gingivitis). At Life Smiles Dental Care in Phoenix, Arizona, we provide comprehensive gum care designed to prevent periodontal disease, along with treatments to halt its progression.

Early intervention is key

To effectively reverse gum disease, it is critical to stop it from progressing beyond its initial stages. That’s why we monitor the health of your gums at every dental visit and offer a variety of gum disease therapies to meet our patients’ needs. Some of the early gum disease signs and symptoms to look out for include:

• “Pink in the sink” – bleeding when you brush and floss your teeth
• Swollen, red gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Receding gums
• Painful, tender gums

As periodontal disease progresses, it can lead to more serious oral health issues, including:

• Further loss of gum tissue, exposing the sensitive tooth roots
• Loose teeth
• Painful chewing
• Changes in your bite
• Bone deterioration
• Tooth loss

Gum disease treatment tailored to your needs

At Life Smiles Dental Care, we treat gum disease with compassion and care using the latest technologies and techniques. Early-stage gum disease may simply require extra home care and professional cleanings. In contrast, patients with more advanced disease may need treatments such as nonsurgical ultrasonic scaling and root planing, pocket-depth reduction, soft tissue or bone grafting, or other tissue regeneration treatments. Based on an in-depth evaluation of your current gum health, we will talk with you about the best options for your specific situation and answer any questions you have about your recommended treatment plan so you can make decisions with confidence.

To schedule your appointment at our Phoenix, AZ practice, call (602) 786-5484 today!