Gum disease is a common yet serious oral health condition that affects nearly half of all adults over the age of 30. However, the question many people ask is: Can gum disease be reversed? The answer to this question isn’t so straightforward and depends on how early it is caught and how you move forward following your diagnosis. 

Understanding how gum disease develops and what steps you can take to protect your gums is crucial for maintaining a healthy mouth and a confident smile. In this blog, we’ll help you understand the stages of the disease, whether it can be reversed, what happens if it isn’t treated, and how to prevent this diagnosis. 

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection in the tissue that supports your teeth. The disease is often caused by an improper oral hygiene routine and regular tobacco use. However, some dental patients are genetically predisposed to develop the disease, no matter how comprehensive their oral hygiene routine may be. There are two main stages:

• Gingivitis: This is the first stage of the disease, characterized by red, swollen gum tissue. You may notice bleeding when brushing and flossing. Your gums may be tender to the touch. Patients may also struggle with chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis. 
• Periodontitis: The next, more advanced stage of the disease involves infection moving further into the tissue. Your bones may begin to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets that may become infected. If left untreated, you may experience tooth loss. 

If you notice any sudden changes in your gum health, it is best to schedule an appointment with your trusted dental team to identify potential problems. The earlier the disease is caught, the better chances you’ll have of reversing it. While you wait for your dental appointment, ensure you maintain good everyday oral hygiene habits. 

Can You Reverse Gum Disease? 

When your gum disease is in its earliest stages, it can be reversed. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, can be reversed with the proper dental care. The first step in reversing it is identifying the disease. While you may notice signs while brushing and flossing, a dental checkup is a great way to accurately diagnose the disease.

Following a comprehensive dental hygiene routine is essential after diagnosis. You should brush your teeth at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. Additionally, floss at least once a day to remove tough food and plaque buildup between and around your teeth. You’ll also want to incorporate an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce oral bacteria. 

The food you eat also plays a significant role in helping to reverse the disease. Eat a balanced diet and limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods. Finally, remember to attend appointments with your dental team. During these appointments, your team can provide recommendations to ensure your oral hygiene routine adequately addresses and reverses your gum disease. 

If you commit to improving your oral health at the first signs of gingivitis, you can often eliminate any accompanying inflammation and restore your gum health completely. Don’t wait to care for your gums when you’re experiencing the early signs of gum disease. The earlier you take action, the better your chances are of reversing the disease. 

What Happens if It Progresses? 

If you fail to treat gum disease in its earliest stages, it will progress to a more severe condition known as periodontitis. Unfortunately, once the disease progresses to periodontitis, it cannot be reversed. From that point on, the disease may only be managed. This management is essential for preventing it from worsening. 

There are a few dental treatments your dental team may recommend at this point to help you protect your teeth. The first thing your team may recommend is scaling and root planing. This treatment cleans deep beneath the gumline, removing bacteria and tartar buildup. Alongside this care, your team may prescribe an antibiotic to kill additional infection. 

Your dental team may also recommend surgical treatment, like bone grafts. These surgical options may be necessary to help you avoid tooth loss. From there, you’ll need to attend frequent checkups to ensure your periodontitis doesn’t progress, as this advanced disease can lead to tooth and bone loss and potential heart disease. 

How to Prevent Gum Disease

The best approach to achieving optimal gum health and minimizing the risk of periodontal disease is prevention. Keeping your gums is easier and far less expensive than treating advanced disease. If you want to ensure your gums are always in their best health, consider taking these preventative steps: 

• Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice daily and replace it every 3 months. 
• Floss daily and don’t skip hard-to-reach areas, such as your back molars. 
• Avoid tobacco products, which increase your risk of developing periodontal disease.
• Manage health conditions like diabetes that impact your gum health. 
• Attend regular dental checkups and cleanings every 6 months. 

Being proactive with your dental hygiene will reduce your risk of developing oral health conditions, such as periodontal disease. Even the smallest steps can make a major difference in your gum health. If you’ve disregarded your oral health for quite some time, don’t wait. Pick up this routine and schedule an appointment with your dental team as soon as possible. 

Take Control of Your Gum Health

Gum disease is more than just swollen gums. In its most severe form, it can lead to tooth loss, bone deterioration, and affect your overall health. If you notice signs like bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, don’t ignore them. The earlier you catch the disease, the better your chances of reversing it and protecting your smile. 

If you’re looking for a reliable dental team in the Salt Lake City area, turn to our team at Avenues Dentistry for support. Since 1962, our team has provided expert dental care to patients across the city. From minor oral health complications to major problems, we have experience treating them all. When you turn to our team, you can trust that you’re in good hands. 

If you would like to schedule a dental checkup to monitor your gum health, don’t hesitate to contact us today. 

If you have a gap between your teeth, you may be wondering if it needs to be closed. For some people, tooth gaps are a unique part of their smile and don’t cause any issues. However, some gaps can affect how you speak, chew, and feel about the appearance of your smile. While not all gaps require treatment, some may lead to complications over time. 

If you are on the fence about whether you should close a tooth gap, keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of this service and whether your gap needs to go. 

What is a Tooth Gap? 

A tooth gap, also known as a diastema, is a space between two teeth. These gaps most commonly occur between the upper front teeth but can appear anywhere in the mouth. Tooth gaps can vary in size and may be caused by several factors. Some gaps are a result of genetics or natural tooth development. Others may be caused by habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, which put pressure on the front teeth. 

Gum disease and bone loss can also lead to shifting teeth and the development of gaps over time. Tooth gaps are not always a cause for concern. In many cases, they are simply a cosmetic issue. However, some gaps can lead to misalignment or difficulty chewing and may require dental attention.

The Pros of Closing a Tooth Gap

There are several reasons why a dental patient may decide to close a tooth gap, including: 

Improved Aesthetics

In many cases, a dental patient will consider investing in this service if they are experiencing some insecurities about the appearance of their smile. It isn’t uncommon for dental patients to experience some insecurity about the appearance of their smile. If a gap is contributing to these insecurities, it is in your best interest to reach out to your dental team about whether closing your gap is your best option.

Enhanced Oral Function and Health

Some tooth gaps can significantly impact your oral function and health. Gaps may cause misalignments, leading to difficulty chewing and speaking. They may also trap food and bacteria, increasing your risk of developing gum disease or tooth decay. By closing these spaces, your teeth may be more properly aligned, reducing strain on your jaw. Additionally, it becomes easier to maintain oral hygiene, helping you achieve better oral health. 

Address Speech Impediments

If you have a gap between your front teeth, this may lead to the development of a speech impediment like a lisp. Much like potential insecurities about the appearance of your smile, the resulting speech impediments may lead to insecurities when speaking. Closing your gap can help you reduce or entirely eliminate these speech impediments, making it a great reason to invest in this dental care. 

The Cons of Closing a Tooth Gap

Although there are many benefits to investing in this dental care, there are a few cons you may want to consider before taking the next step, including: 

Cost of Orthodontic Care

While you may consider closing a tooth gap, this may be a far more costly investment than you can currently make. Although many dental and orthodontic offices offer payment plans for this kind of care, it may still be more expensive than you can justify. If your insurance has made it clear that it won’t cover this procedure (most frequently in situations where the care is deemed cosmetic), you may not be able to invest in this service. 

Lost Charm

When looking at your smile in a crowd of people, you may love how your gap helps you stand out. When you choose to close a tooth gap, you may find that your smile loses the charm you’ve come to love, and that is difficult to replicate. This feature isn’t that common, with only about 25% of adults having a gap between their front teeth. If you want to maintain the unique features you’ve come to love, you may not want to close your gap. 

Treatment Sensitivity

If you are already experiencing tooth and gum sensitivity, choosing to undergo orthodontic treatment to close your gap may increase this discomfort. Some dental patients will experience tooth, gum, and jaw pain as their teeth shift, especially as they reach adulthood. If you want to avoid this irritation and your gap isn’t compromising your oral health, you may want to consider avoiding this treatment. 

Long Treatment Timeline

In some cases, it can take months longer than you anticipate to close your gap. As dental patients reach adulthood, their jaws are far less malleable. This lack of flexibility may mean your teeth will shift more slowly than they would if you underwent orthodontic care during your childhood. Before making the investment in this care, it is important to determine whether this timeline is worth the results.  

Is Closing a Tooth Gap an Essential Dental Service? 

If you have a tooth gap, you may think it is essential to close it. However, this isn’t always the case. Closing a gap isn’t a vital service for cases where your gap doesn’t compromise your oral health, tooth function, and speech. If, however, you find that your gap is complicating everyday activities or compromising tooth health, it may be essential.

To determine whether you need to schedule care to address this gap, it is best to reach out to a trusted dental team for support. If you love your gap and want to keep it if possible, make sure to clarify this. Your dentist may be able to close your gap just enough to protect surrounding teeth while helping maintain your charm. 

Additionally, if you’re dealing with a tooth gap in children, you may want to wait until their adult teeth come in to schedule care. Their baby teeth are smaller than adult teeth, and the gaps between them may be filled as their adult teeth come in. To ensure your child’s gap isn’t harming their overall oral health, it is important that you schedule early dental exams. 

Achieve Your Dream Smile at Avenues Dentistry

Whether you love your gap or want to close it, our team at Avenues Dentistry is here to help you achieve and maintain your dream smile. We understand how important it is to have a smile you love, and we’ll do everything we can to ensure you have a healthy, bright smile for years to come. From our top-tier cosmetic procedures to essential cleanings, root canals, fillings, and more, our team is prepared to do it all.

If you’d like to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment to discuss closing a tooth gap, don’t hesitate to contact us today. 

Alternative dental practices have become increasingly popular over the last few years. As people become more weary of some dental practices and ingredients, they may find themselves considering holistic dentistry. But not all dental practices are created equal, and some may not be sufficient to address oral health problems. 

Choosing to incorporate the wrong dental practices into your oral hygiene routine might not seem like too major a decision. However, it can lead to significant worsening of existing dental conditions. If you want to learn more about whether holistic dentistry is right for you, keep reading to see what our team recommends. 

What is Holistic Dentistry? 

Holistic dentistry is an alternative way to care for your teeth that has become increasingly popular during the 21st century. Holistic dental practices may include Ayurvedic practices, homeopathy, aromatherapies, and acupuncture treatments. Many of these practices are roots in ancient medical practices. 

Holistic dentistry aims to heal your entire body instead of treating a single problem. It focuses on the connection between your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. If you are interested in the way every system across your body is interconnected, holistic dentistry may be a good option for you. 

Are Holistic Dental Practices Right for You? 

Whether holistic dentistry is right for you will vary based on your current oral health condition. If you are currently struggling with oral health problems like gum disease or recession, severe tooth decay, or cavities, you may consider making the transition over to holistic dentistry to attempt to alleviate these conditions. 

However, that is not a good idea. Instead, you should continue to rely on traditional dental care to address your oral health conditions before making any adjustments to your oral hygiene routine. Additionally, if you are considering making adjustments, you may want to speak to your dental provider.

Your dentist and dental hygienists will have a more thorough understanding of your current oral health condition and whether your existing routine is adequate in protecting your teeth. If they notice you’re not flossing properly, brushing too hard, or not using enough fluoride, it is best to follow their recommendations instead of opting for holistic dentistry. 

Finally, it is important to check with your insurance to determine if they cover this dental care. Not all holistic dental practices will be covered by your insurance, and you don’t want to be caught off guard by a costly treatment after its already done. If you’ve gone down the list and are still interested, holistic treatment may be right for you. 

The Importance of Finding a Balance

When it comes to dental care, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. But it’s important that you strike the right balance, or you risk doing more harm to your teeth than you intend. Some common holistic dental practices include using oil-pulling products and opting out of fluoride-based products. 

The American Dental Association does not currently recommend oil pulling due to a lack of scientific evidence to support its benefits. However, if you do choose to incorporate this practice into your oral hygiene routine, it’s essential not to cut out other important practices like brushing and flossing, as this could lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

If you choose to cut fluoride out of your routine, it is important that you incorporate other similar ingredients, like hydroxyapatite or xylitol. These natural ingredients perform similarly to fluoride and can help protect your teeth against the harsh acids and bacteria in your mouth. Without these ingredients, you may experience increased tooth decay.

Ultimately, if you believe holistic dentistry is right for your smile, it is essential that you do plenty of research beforehand. Restorative dental work can be expensive and painful. You don’t want to risk the long-term health of your smile for a short-term phase. Make sure you read plenty of research and consult a dentist if you’re considering altering your oral health practices. 

Why You Still Need Traditional Dentistry

Although holistic dentistry is a good option for some oral health conditions, it shouldn’t be used as an exclusive treatment. Opting for exclusively holistic dental practices may compromise the well-being of your smile. Some holistic practices aren’t sufficient enough to address infections, major irritations, and tooth decay. 

If your dentist has recommended dental treatments, such as root canals, it’s best to follow their advice. There are no reliable holisitc alternatives to restorative treatments like this, and choosing to deviate from this treatment plan can have devastating consequences. Additionally, if your dentist recommends tooth extraction, you should follow this advice closely.

Your dental team will do everything in their power to prevent extraction. If they recommend this treatment when you visit the office, it is being suggested because it is the best option for protecting your mouth from further damage. While this can be daunting, it is best to follow their advice in lieu of following holistic practices. 

Protect Your Teeth at Avenues Dentistry

While holistic dentistry is a reliable way to address some oral health conditions, it’s essential to continue seeking traditional dental care when facing oral health issues. Choosing to put off dental care when facing oral health problems can lead to worsening symptoms and an increased risk of tooth loss. If you’re looking for a reliable dental team in Salt Lake City, turn to Avenues Dentistry. 

Since 1962, our team has provided patients across the area with compassionate, expert care. Whether you’re scheduling your twice-yearly cleanings or trying to remedy oral health problems, we have the training and experience to help you through it all. With our team on your side, you can achieve your best oral health.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment or have any questions about our services, don’t hesitate to contact us today.