periodontal (gum) disease, can it be reversed?

Question

I was told that I had a #5 pocket peridontal disease. At least, that's what I think I was told. Someone correct me if I didn't state that the correct way.

Anyhow, is it because I drink diet cokes and tea? Do I need to floss 3x per day? Take calcium? What can I do to STOP the bone loss and reverse the damage I've caused already.

My mother has been told she has some level of bone loss, should I be worried about osteoprosis?

If my mouth bones are weak, would braces at age 30 be a bad idea? I don't want them to pull my teeth from their sockets!

My dentist wants to do a gum wash which will cost $90 per quadrant after insurance. Is this very helpful?

It is called A DEEP CLEANING...WHERE THEY NUMB YOUR MOUTH. I just couldn't remember what he said.

Until my visit to the dentist yesterday, it had been 2 years since my last cleaning. It's my fault. So, I'm thinking of scheduling a cleaning every 3 months. I also think I'll go ahead and schedule myself for the deep cleaning too.

Answer 1

I have peridodontal disease, I had deep pockets everywhere and I had one pocket that measured a 12. I was certain I would not keep my teeth, but due to a lot of effort on my part and a good dentist using proper therapy and surgery from a periodontist, all of my measurements are now 2 and 3.

First step was regular cleaning, then quad scaling, then I went on an antibiotic just for this problem plus a prescription mouth wash.
I brushed and flossed and used listerine about 3 times a day.
All of my pockets healed except three from this treatment.
They were a 12, and two 6 size ones.

My dentist recommended I go to a periodontist. I did and had some additional x-rays did and they showed the bone loss in the areas with the deep pockets.
He recommended 3 bone grafts. I had the surgery, in Feb. '06, with just numbing, left with stitches and it took about two weeks to heal.
At my first cleaning three months after the surgery all my pockets were down to a 2 and 3.
My second cleaning was today and I am still at 2 and 3 and that is very good. The periodontist said he thinks I will have no more problems.
I am very diligent about brushing- using a sonicare toothbrush, and flossing and using listerine.
I think you can save your teeth, but must get all recommended treatment.
Good luck.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I can't believe I just saw this question....I am 64 and only have 5 of my own teeth left...I spent sooooo much money and had a root canal in every tooth.....had 5 periodontal surgeries and the whole matter is..... it is just genetics. Mom lost her teeth the same way...........she even had 8 implants that wouldn't work because the bone loss was so great. Oral surgeons tell me that I don't have enough bone to even use implants. Upper dentures are not so bad, but fortunately I am holding on to those 5 on the bottom and getting ready to have gum surgery on these again. Lowers are virtually impossible to wear and that is when I will try implants. The GOOD NEWS.....Mother never had osteoporosis and I don't either. I spent tens of thousands of dollars trying to save my teeth (I never had dental insurance).....you go for it and do anything the periodontist says to save your teeth. Personally I drink diet drinks and tea all the time and has never been the cause of further damage. I have had these same bottom 5 teeth for 10 years now.. GOOD LUCK AND GO TO THE DENTIST AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR FOR A DEEP CLEANING...WHERE THEY NUMB YOUR MOUTH. Two of my adult children are having the same problems but they are being very aggressive in getting these implants started early and having their teeth cleaned at least 3 times more often than the average person.

Answer 4

Yes, what you are saying about having pocketing around #5 makes sense. Periodontal disease isn't from soda, it's a combination of genetics and lack of brushing/flossing/regular cleanings at the dentist. Brushing two times a day for 2 minutes each and flossing EVERYDAY will help you so much. Keeping up on your regular cleanings is also very important. I'm think the "gum wash" you are talking about is maybe Scaling & Root Planing. It is when they will have to clean tarter/calculus from under your gums and it is very common that some with Peridontial disease needing this. It is very helpful in controling the disease; unfortunatly, there is no reversing the bone loss, only prevention from it getting worse. On the braces question, it is best that you ask your dentist about it since we can't answer that without seeing x-rays of the teeth themselves. Good luck

Answer 5

Yes!!!do the treatment t will help you. Diet coke will not hurt you, its not what your eating that's causing this. Its hereditary you got it from your parents and guess what its not going away. The only thing you can do is try to control the problem by home care. And getting the cleaning done every 3 months. Also look into Arristen..its an antibiotic that put into your gums that can help a lot. Its out into he gums right after the cleaning. Its a bit expensive but worth every penny. It should help you get some more mileage of them choppers :) And Braces should not hurt you. If you like call my office to talk about it some more...562-430-2740...

Answer 6

Your wording is correct. Flossing is the most important but also consider buying a water pick. Definitely go to your dentist for the deep cleaning(gum wash?). If you don't take care of this problem you will lose your teeth. I would not advise braces until the periodontal problem is solved. Also, osteoporosis has nothing to do with your teeth or gums. Good luck!

Answer 7

I had a process done for my peri where they insert antibiotics right around the gum. It works to kill bacteria for 3 weeks. In this way, they hope to kill out every bit of the bacteria, and aide the pockets closing up close to the teeth again where they should be.

If this doesn't work, I am told trimming down the gum surgically, to keep it from being a bacteria trap where it is not reattaching to the gum, will be necessary. They tell me that as long as the teeth seem stable, and there's no mobility, there's hope for you.

Answer 8

That's an interesting question!

Answer 9

I was interested to know this as well