Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems, affecting nearly half of adults over 30. It begins quietly, often with mild bleeding or swollen gums, but if left untreated, it can progress to advanced periodontitis, causing tooth loss and even impacting overall health. If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, you might wonder: can your dentist cure it? The answer depends on how early it’s detected and how committed you are to ongoing care.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease develops when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—accumulates on teeth and along the gumline. Over time, this buildup irritates and inflames the gums, leading to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form where bacteria destroy the tissues and bone that support your teeth.
Early-Stage Gum Disease Can Be Managed
If your dentist identifies gum disease in its early stage—gingivitis—it can be managed. At this stage, the damage is limited to the soft tissues and has not yet reached the bone. A professional dental cleaning, combined with improved brushing and flossing at home, can eliminate plaque and allow the gums to heal. Your dentist may also recommend antimicrobial mouth rinses or special toothpaste to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
The key is early intervention. If you visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, they can spot the signs of gum disease before it becomes serious.
Treating Advanced Gum Disease
Once gum disease advances to periodontitis, it cannot be fully cured in the traditional sense—but it can be controlled and managed effectively. Your dentist or periodontist will focus on stopping the infection, preventing further damage, and maintaining your remaining bone and gum tissue.
Common treatments include:
- Scaling and root planing: A deep-cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so gums can reattach to the teeth.
- Antibiotic therapy: In some cases, topical or oral antibiotics are used to kill lingering bacteria.
- Laser therapy: Some dentists use lasers to reduce bacteria and promote gum healing.
- Surgical treatments: In severe cases, gum or bone grafts may be necessary to restore lost tissue and stabilize the teeth.
With these treatments and consistent home care, many patients maintain their oral health for years and avoid tooth loss.
Your Role in Gum Disease Management
Even the best dental care won’t be effective without your participation. Maintaining gum health after treatment requires daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits every three to six months for maintenance cleanings. Quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and managing conditions like diabetes also help keep gum disease under control.
So, can your dentist cure gum disease? Gingivitis is manageable with professional care and good hygiene. But if the disease has progressed to periodontitis, your dentist can’t technically cure it, but they can manage it. With proper treatment, ongoing maintenance, and healthy habits, you can preserve your smile and protect your gums for life.
About the Author
Dr. Jason Kaopua has more than 2 decades of experience practicing dentistry. After graduating with his dental degree from Oregon Health & Sciences University, he returned to Hawaii and opened clinics in rural areas to provide care to underserved populations. He has completed advanced training in a wide variety of topics including sleep apnea, BOTOX, implant placement, and more. If it’s been more than 6 months since your last checkup, schedule your appointment online or call our Everett office at (425) 267-3333.