Can Gum Disease Be Reversed?

Early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, can often be reversed with improved oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings. Advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis, is not fully reversible because it can involve permanent bone loss, but professional periodontal treatment can help manage the disease and stop it from progressing.

Can Gum Disease Be Reversed at Every Stage?

Gingivitis affects the gum tissue before permanent damage develops. At this stage, inflammation may improve once plaque and tartar are removed and the gums are kept clean with daily brushing, flossing, and professional dental care. Gingivitis tends to involve the gum tissue but not the underlying bone. 

Periodontitis is more advanced because the infection begins damaging the bone and connective tissues that support the teeth. While treatment can control the infection and improve gum health, lost bone and gum tissue do not typically grow back naturally.

Early Gum Disease Treatment

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. Common signs include red or swollen gums, bleeding during brushing or flossing, and persistent bad breath.

Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar that cannot be removed at home. If gingivitis is caught early, this may be enough to reverse the condition and restore gum health.

Daily brushing and flossing, along with routine dental cleanings, help prevent gingivitis from progressing into periodontitis. If bacterial buildup remains below the gumline, the infection can continue to spread and damage the supporting tissues around the teeth.

Advanced Gum Disease Treatment

Advanced gum disease treatment focuses on controlling infection, reducing inflammation, and protecting the bone and tissues supporting the teeth.

When gum disease progresses into periodontitis, deeper periodontal therapies may be recommended, including:

• Scaling and root planing
• Antimicrobial therapy
• Laser decontamination
• Pocket reduction procedures
• Bone or gum grafting in more advanced cases

Although lost bone and gum tissue do not grow back naturally, treatment can often stop the disease from progressing further and help preserve the remaining teeth and supporting structures.

How a Periodontist Can Help

A periodontist is a dental specialist who receives an additional three years of advanced surgical and periodontal training beyond dental school. 

Their training focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the gums, bone, and supporting structures around the teeth. Periodontists also specialize in managing advanced gum disease, gum recession, bone loss, and dental implant-related complications.

At Periodontal Associates, Dr. Beckman, Dr. Heller and Dr. Thousand provide both non-surgical and advanced periodontal treatment using modern diagnostic technology and evidence-based therapies. Comprehensive periodontal exams evaluate gum health, bone support, and areas of active infection to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each patient.

Periodontist in Aurora, CO

If you are experiencing bleeding gums, gum recession, or signs of periodontal disease, we are here to help.

To book an appointment at our Aurora location, call (303) 755-4500. To book an appointment at our Centennial location, call (303) 795-5700.   

FAQ