| ✅ Reviewed by Dr. Tom McCawley | 🕒 Reading time: four minutes |
Many people believe and some even promote that you can cure gum disease without a dentist. This is a misleading claim that can cause real harm.
At-home care like brushing and flossing can help reduce plaque and keep gums healthier. But once gum disease has developed, the infection lives deep below the gumline. No home remedy (mouthwash, oil pulling, or salt rinses) can remove it.
Without professional treatment, the disease will continue to progress, leading to tooth loss and even affecting your overall health.
Fast Facts About Periodontal Disease
Before we look at why it is so serious, it helps to understand how it develops and progresses.
- Gum disease is common. Nearly half of adults over 30 show some signs of gum disease, and the risk increases with age.
- It begins with gingivitis. In the earliest stage, gums look red, swollen, and may bleed when brushing or flossing. Gingivitis is reversible with professional cleanings and improved home care.
- It progresses to periodontitis. As bacteria spread below the gumline, pockets form around the teeth. This stage damages the bone and connective tissues that support your teeth.
- Advanced periodontitis is the most destructive stage. Deep pockets, gum recession, and severe bone loss occur, leading to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss if untreated.
- It is often painless at first. Because early periodontal disease doesn’t usually cause pain, many people don’t realize they have it until it has advanced.
- It’s linked to overall health. Studies have connected periodontal disease to heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and even certain cancers.
5 Reasons You Should Take Gum Disease Seriously
Gum disease often begins with bleeding gums or persistent bad breath, but it doesn’t stop there. Left untreated, it can cause lasting damage to your oral health and overall well-being.
1. It will not go away on its own
Gum disease is a progressive condition that starts when bacteria from plaque and tartar infect the gums. Without treatment, the infection continues to spread deeper, damaging the supporting structures of your teeth. Once this damage occurs, it cannot be reversed at home. Only a periodontist can stop the progression and preserve your oral health.
2. It puts your overall health at risk
The impact goes far beyond your mouth. Research has linked advanced periodontal disease to diabetes complications, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, stroke, and even heart attacks. The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and straining the immune system. Treating gum disease protects your smile and your long-term health.
3. It is the leading cause of tooth loss
Bleeding gums may not seem urgent at first, but untreated gum disease is the number one reason adults lose their teeth. As infection advances, it destroys the gum and bone that hold teeth in place, causing them to loosen and eventually fall out. Early treatment is the best way to avoid this devastating outcome.
4. It affects the health and appearance of your smile
The effects of periodontal disease are not just physical, they also impact how you feel about your smile. Swollen or receding gums, tartar buildup, and dark gaps between teeth can make it difficult to feel confident. Treating it improves both the health and appearance of your smile, helping restore self-esteem.
5. Gum disease treatment preserves your future smile
Modern treatments like LANAP® laser therapy can remove infected tissue without cutting, stimulate bone growth, and protect your natural smile. Seeking treatment now means a healthier, more confident future.
Take Action Today
At McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics & Implants, we use advanced, minimally invasive treatments like LANAP® laser therapy and antimicrobial therapy to target infection at its source and preserve your natural teeth. Our goal is to help you restore your oral health, protect your overall well-being, and feel confident in your smile again.
To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Fort Lauderdale, FL, call (954) 807-4829 or visit us at 800 East Broward Blvd #706 Fort Lauderdale, FL.
FAQs
In its earliest stage (gingivitis), it can be reversed with professional cleanings and better home care. Once it progresses to periodontitis, it can often be cured with modern microbiological and laser treatments including special home care regimens.
Yes, gingivitis, the mildest form of the disease, is reversible. However, more advanced stages require ongoing treatment to stop the infection and stabilize your oral health and often new bone can be regenerated with laser treatment.
If you are searching for gum disease treatment near Fort Lauderdale, McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics & Implants offers advanced care, including LANAP® laser therapy and antimicrobial therapy. Call (954) 807-4829 to schedule your consultation today.
