Can Periodontitis Be Cured Without the Help of a Dentist?

Have you noticed blood in your gum or teeth after brushing? Are you self-conscious of how your breath smells? Do your gums appear puffy, red, or swollen? All these are signs of gum disease/gingivitis. If it’s left untreated, it won’t take long to turn into periodontitis – a more severe form of gum disease.

Studies show gum disease affects millions of Americans every year. Yet it’s one of the most ignored diseases. While most keep their search on ‘Does gum disease heal on its own?’ ongoing, there are a lot of factors to consider when deciding whether your gum disease requires the involvement of a dentist or not. Let’s shed light on the discussion on gum disease or periodontitis. 

What Causes Periodontitis?

You can only find the solution for your oral health issues when you are aware of why you have it. The same goes for gum disease. So, let’s get to know about gum disease in detail:

Gum disease begins with:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking and tobacco use
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Genetic predisposition
• Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause)
• Nutritional deficiencies

All these lead to the growth of plaque in the gumline. The bacteria in plaque trigger gum inflammation and lead to gum infections. The infection spreads if you don’t bring any positive change in your oral care routine soon enough. It weakens your gum, teeth, and jaw. 

Can Periodontitis Heal on Its Own?

Once periodontal disease develops, healing without medical intervention becomes impossible. This unreversible gum disease affects your dental structures and can cause significant bone and tissue loss. Ignoring symptoms can result in tooth loss and lead to heart disease and diabetes.

Home Remedies vs. Professional Treatment

Let’s find out what you can do to manage gum disease symptoms at home:

• Rinse your mouth with salt water to reduce oral bacteria
• Use turmeric paste for its anti-inflammatory properties
• Oil pull to remove toxins from your mouth
• Drink green tea to lower gum inflammation and oral bacteria growth.

What Happens If Periodontitis Is Left Untreated?

• Persistent bad breath 
• Gum recession 
• Loose teeth 
• Increased risk of gum infection
• Heart disease and risk of diabetes 

How Can a Dentist Treat Periodontitis?

Not all gum disease can be treated at home. When gum disease turns into periodontitis, a patient needs specialized gum disease treatments under a licensed dentist. A dentist might recommend one or a combination of oral treatments to target your periodontitis. The popular treatment options are: 

• Scaling and root planning 
• Antibiotic therapy 
• Laser therapy
• Gum grafting
• Bone grafting

How to Prevent Periodontitis at Home?

While professional care is essential for treatment, at-home preventive measures can protect your gum health. 

• Brush twice daily 
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Floss regularly to remove plaque
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash
• Avoid smoking and sugary snacks
• Schedule dental check-ups at an interval of 6 months

Periodontitis cannot be cured without professional dental care. While home remedies can alleviate symptoms, they do not eliminate deep-seated bacterial infections. Seeking timely treatment from a dentist prevents tooth loss and protects overall health. Schedule a consultation today to safeguard your smile.