What is the way to cure gum disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, can be cured via surgical or non-surgical methods, according to the Mayo Clinic. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states brushing teeth twice a day, flossing on a regular basis, routine dental visits and not smoking are ways to keep the mouth healthy and prevent gum disease.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Health, some of the symptoms of gum disease include:

• Lingering bad breath
• Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose or sensitive teeth
• Receding gums

Option1: Non-surgical treatment

For gum disease that is not advanced, non-surgical treatments may be enough to cure the disease. These treatments include:

• Scaling - removes tartar and bacteria from the surfaces of the tooth as well as below the gum line.
• Root Planing - discourages the build up of tartar by smoothing the surfaces of the root.
• Antibiotics - topical or oral antibiotics can help control the infection.

Option 2: Surgical treatment

If the non-surgical treatments are not successful, the dentist may recommend the surgical route. These treatments include:

• Flap surgery - tiny incisions are made in the gum, exposing the root. This allows for a deeper cleaning of the root's surface.
• Soft tissue or bone grafting - when gum tissue or bone is lost, new tissue or bone is grafted to the area.
• Guided tissue regeneration - a special piece of fabric is used to help healthy bone regenerate.