Can Periodontal Disease Be Cured?

What is Periodontal Disease, and Why Should You Care?

Periodontal disease, also commonly referred to as Gum Disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gum and bone supporting the teeth.

This disease process is the body’s inflammatory response to the bacteria in your mouth. The American Academy of Periodontology reports that up to 75% of all Americans over the age of 35 are believed to have some form of periodontal disease.

Like other chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetes, periodontal disease is thought to not be curable! But the good news is that it can be prevented and managed.

Prevent Gum Disease Before It Starts

Each individual has their own unique immune system to help fight disease and may react differently to the bacteria present in their mouth. A holistic approach that considers the complete patient (mind-body-soul) may provide the best means to manage the disease.

 

Combat Gum Disease with Holistic Dentistry

The villain in this story is the bacterial plaque which forms a biofilm that firmly attaches to the teeth and gets under the gums. An approach that employs the initial complete removal of deposits, followed by coaching to help the patient remove it on a daily basis, may provide the best means to restore a mouth to health.

If uncontrolled, tooth loss and other complications could occur. But to control the disease, it is important that the patient is fully aware of what causes the disease and take an active role in its prevention and treatment.

The Mouth-Body Systemic Connection

Controlling this disease is also important for your overall health. It may be remembered that the same blood that flows through your gums and teeth also travels through your heart, lungs, and the rest of your body. So if bacteria and inflammation are present in your gums, it may also trigger other inflammatory events such as heart disease!