Gingivitis 101: Can I Reverse Early Gum Disease?

Nearly 1 in 2 American adults aged 30 or older show signs of early gum disease known as gingivitis. Without treatment, gingivitis can easily progress into advanced gum disease, a chronic and irreversible condition called periodontitis that gradually erodes healthy gum tissues and can lead to tooth loss. 

At Desert Dental, in North Hollywood, CA, Brian Shahangian, DDS, and Bita Shahangian, DDS, see this all too often. That’s why they stress the importance of prevention and early treatment to prevent advanced gum disease.  

Here’s what they tell their patients about reversing gingivitis and avoiding tooth loss. 

Understanding gum disease 

Gum (periodontal) disease is an inflammatory oral health condition that occurs when your gum tissues become infected. It’s usually caused by poor dental hygiene. When you don’t totally clean your teeth, a sticky film of bacteria called plaque builds up on your tooth enamel and gumline.  

Plague eventually calcifies into hard, stubborn tartar that can’t simply be brushed away. It can only be removed by professional dental tools. Having just a little bit of lingering plaque and/or resistant tartar is all it takes for gum disease to develop. 

Periodontitis has also been associated with an increased risk of serious degenerative diseases, including heart disease.

Signs and symptoms of gingivitis 

All cases of severe gum disease) start as gingivitis.   

When you have gingivitis, your gums:

• Appear swollen or puffy
• Feel tender or painful when you brush  
• Look dusky red or dark red in color
• Tend to bleed when you brush or floss 

Persistent bad breath is another common symptom of gingivitis. By contrast, healthy gums are firm, light pink (not red), and fit tightly around your teeth. 

When gingivitis goes unchecked

Untreated, gingivitis progresses through the stages of gum disease. Symptoms of severe symptoms include:

• Receding, bleeding, or highly sensitive gums
• Pronounced pockets between your teeth and gums
• Persistently bad mouth odor or foul breath
• Loose teeth or continuous pain when chewing

Gum disease often starts in one spot and gradually spreads to other areas. Once it progresses beyond the gingivitis stage, gum disease is a chronic, irreversible condition that must be managed properly to prevent infection and tooth loss. 

Yes, you can reverse gingivitis

Fortunately, you can stop gingivitis in its tracks, reverse its damage, and prevent its progression with prompt, attentive dental care. 

To address moderate gingivitis during a professional dental cleaning, we remove all traces of plaque, tartar, and bacteria through a treatment known as scaling and root planing. 

Scaling removes tartar from your tooth enamel and beneath your gums; root planing smooths the root surfaces, discourages further plaque and tartar buildup, and promotes healing.

To continue prevention at home, brush at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and consider adding a water flosser and antimicrobial mouth rinse to your routine. And of course, visit us twice a year for a professional cleaning and checkup. If your gums are at risk, we may recommend you come more often.

If you’ve noticed the signs of early gum disease, don’t delay. Book an appointment today with the team at Desert Dental in North Hollywood, CA. Call the office at (818) 465-5215 or request an appointment online.