HomeAnswersDentistryperiodontal gum diseaseCan a gum disease (periodontitis) be completely treated if diagnosed early?

Can periodontitis be completely reversed if professional scaling is done once in six months?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At March 1, 2023
Reviewed AtMarch 1, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Can a gum disease (periodontitis) be reversed at an early stage? I have been to a dentist today, and they told me this is untreatable and can only be slowed down. Is this true?

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Periodontal disease is manageable. It is true that though it is difficult to gain attachment level to the tooth back in case of tooth mobility, professional plaque control, oral hygiene measures, and, most importantly, follow-up every six months help to maintain dental health. Also, after every professional cleaning, patients get relief from bad breath, mobility, or even gum bleeding to an extent. If you let me know the exact issue you have been suffering from, I can address you in detail and let you know what measures you can implement to improve your periodontal health. Nothing to worry about it. It is true, however, that periodontal health is directly linked with your general health. Six months to one-year deep scaling is very important. It varies from person to person based on disease progression. Please give me details about any tooth mobility, bleeding, or bad breath.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

The doctor did not confirm my gum disease as periodontitis. It was me reading online. However, I have a deep cleaning next month, and they said that this is something I will have to deal with for the rest of my life. So far, the only thing I have is bleeding gums. It has not progressed to the loosening of the teeth yet. I got detected with bleeding gums during a dental checkup.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, bleeding on probing is a very common condition. This gingival disease will eventually progress into periodontal disease when left untreated. Regular scaling and professional plaque control measures are recommended to most patients. So as long as your dentist removes the deposits and you get the scaling done every six months, you need not worry. Oral hygiene is directly linked to systemic health, so that is the reason. If you have doubts about what plaque measures you should practice apart from brushing, kindly follow my advice:

Consult your specialist doctor, talk to them, and take medications with their consent.

  1. Gargle with Hexidine Mouthwash (chlorhexidine Gluconate) at night after food.
  2. Brush with Fluoridated toothpaste twice daily.

Followed by regular dental checkups every six months to one year.

Hope this helps.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Achanta Krishna Swaroop
Dr. Achanta Krishna Swaroop

Dentistry

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