Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease is common in the U.S., according to the National Institutes of Health. It’s preventable with regular brushings and cleanings. And if you do get gum disease, it’s also very treatable.

Poor brushing and flossing habits can let plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—build up on the teeth and harden. This might lead your gums to become red and swollen or bleed easily. In this case you might have gingivitis, which is a mild form of gum disease.

You can usually reverse mild gum disease with daily brushing and flossing. This helps get rid of plaque that can cause gum disease.

But plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Regular cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist help remove tartar.

Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. In periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that become infected. This can cause tooth loss.