7 Non-surgical Treatments for Gum Disease

While generally preventable, gum disease remains a major oral health issue among millions worldwide. Gum disease develops gradually, starting as a mild stage called gingivitis, often characterized by sore, swollen, or bleeding gums.

If not treated promptly, it progresses gradually to a more severe condition called periodontitis, leading to serious and long-term issues like bone loss, teeth mobility, tooth loss, and increased risk of health issues like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Treating gum disease can help prevent these complications and restore the health of your gums. This article explores various non-surgical treatments for gum disease. Visit our dentist for non-surgical gum disease treatment in South Hadley, MA.

Understanding the Signs of Gum Disease

Recognizing gum disease symptoms can help you seek timely treatment for optimal oral function and health. Visit your dentist for gum disease treatment if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing and flossing
• Red, swollen, or sore gums
• Receding gums
• Persistent bad breath or taste
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Deep gum pockets between teeth and gums
• Persistent tooth pain and sensitivity
• Changes in how teeth fit together
• Changes in the fit of dentures

Non-Surgical Gum Treatment Options

Before treatment, the dentist or periodontist will examine your condition and oral health to determine the best action to address your needs effectively. Non-surgical periodontal treatments manage or treat minor to moderate stages of gum disease. These can include:

• Excellent oral hygiene

Something simple as brushing twice daily for two minutes, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help reverse and prevent the progression of early-stage gum disease. These oral hygiene practices help remove and prevent a buildup of bacterial plaque and tartar responsible for gum disease. When brushing, use a soft brush. If possible, use an electric one, and brush gently to avoid irritating your gums.

• Lifestyle changes

Certain health and lifestyle modifications can promote gum healing and improve your gum healing. These remedies can include:

• Quitting smoking and other tobacco products
• Eating a healthy diet
• Limiting acidic, sugary, sticky, and hard foods and beverages
• Managing systemic health conditions like diabetes
• Proper hydration
• Professional dental cleanings

With or without gum disease, routine professional cleanings are essential for removing plaque, bacteria, tartar, and other debris from the teeth and along the gum line. For patients with gum disease, more routine professional cleanings can help reverse gum disease and restore gum health.

• Medications

You can use antibacterial and antibiotic treatments and other treatments to eliminate and manage bacterial infections in the growth. These treatments can include antiseptic mouthwashes, oral antibiotics, and topical antiseptics.

• Dental scaling and root planing

For moderate gum disease, regular dental cleanings may not be sufficient. A deep cleaning, also known as teeth scaling and root planing procedure, may be necessary to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup from the teeth and deep below the gums.

Then, the dentist smoothens the teeth’ roots to prevent further bacterial buildup and allow the gums to reattach to the teeth. Based on your condition, the dentist or periodontist can place or inject a localized antibiotic into the deep pockets to prevent bacteria recolonization.

• Laser treatments

While relatively new, laser treatments use targeted light energy to eliminate bacteria and remove damaged tissues, promoting faster gum healing. Lasers are often faster, more efficient, less painful, and less invasive than traditional gum treatments.

• Tray delivery system

Non-surgical periodontal therapy uses custom-fit trays to deliver gum medications deep into the gums. The trays look like a mouthguard and are typically used for a few minutes daily. This treatment offers an effective and continuous way to eliminate and prevent new infections in the gums, promoting faster recovery.

Can Gum Disease Be Treated without Surgery?

Yes, you can treat and reverse gum disease without surgery. However, early detection of gum disease is essential to prevent complications that can cause the need for surgical intervention. For more information about gum disease treatments, contact South Hadley Dental Group.