Can periodontal disease be reversed?

Can you reverse gingivitis?

Yes. Cleveland Clinic says gingivitis is totally reversible with proper treatment, usually professional cleaning and better home care, and its page on gingivitis says a good cleaning usually clears it up, though it can return without ongoing care. NIDCR says tartar can only be removed by a professional cleaning, which is why a dentist is part of the answer. See our guides on what gingivitis looks like and on treating swollen gums.

Can you reverse periodontal disease?

Only partly, and only if caught early. Cleveland Clinic says once bone is lost, the damage cannot be undone, though the disease can still be managed, and that treatment can reduce infection and help rebuild some bone and tissue. Bone grafting material acts as a scaffold, giving the body time to regenerate its own bone, and the page says treatment can rebuild bone to some degree, but bone lost to advanced infection generally cannot be fully restored.

Can periodontitis be cured?

No. Cleveland Clinic says gum disease is not curable but is manageable with appropriate treatment, and its treatment page says you can only manage it. It can come back, so maintenance cleanings and daily care continue after treatment. People with periodontitis often see a periodontist, as our periodontist guide explains.

Is periodontal disease treatable?

Yes. Cleveland Clinic lists nonsurgical treatments for early-stage disease: routine professional cleaning, scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning below the gumline, antibiotic therapy placed in the gum pockets and laser periodontal therapy. For moderate to advanced disease it lists pocket reduction (flap) surgery, bone grafting, gum grafting and guided tissue regeneration, in which a membrane protects the area so bone can regrow. It says the results of laser treatment are mixed.

How to treat periodontitis naturally

The sources we read do not discuss natural remedies for periodontitis and do not say they can reverse it. What they do list is the foundation that supports any treatment: brushing two to three times a day, daily flossing or interdental brushes, an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash, avoiding tobacco and regular dental checkups and cleanings. Home measures cannot remove tartar or reverse bone loss, so be cautious of any product that claims to. Ask your dentist before trying supplements or herbal products.

What recovery from treatment looks like

Cleveland Clinic says scaling and root planing involves no downtime, and advanced procedures take one to four weeks to recover from. Aftercare includes taking all prescribed medicines, following your periodontist's instructions and contacting them for persistent bleeding, pain that does not respond to medication or signs of infection. Daily hygiene and routine cleanings keep the disease controlled.

What helps keep gum disease from coming back

Cleveland Clinic lists brushing two to three times a day with a soft, fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash twice a day, avoiding smoking and other tobacco products, and professional exams and cleanings about every six months, or more often if you are prone to gum disease. People who have had periodontitis may need cleanings every three to four months, as our periodontist guide explains.

Why early treatment matters

Cleveland Clinic says periodontitis involves bone loss around the teeth, which is permanent, and untreated gingivitis can progress to it. NIDCR says tartar can only be removed by a professional cleaning, so a small build-up that is left can keep inflaming the gums. The earlier you are treated, the more of the supporting tissue you keep, so book a visit for bleeding, swelling or recession rather than waiting, and ask your dentist to measure your gum pockets so changes can be tracked over time. If you smoke, stopping helps treatment work, as Cleveland Clinic lists avoiding tobacco among the basics of prevention.

Questions to ask your dentist

Ask what stage you are at and what is reversible.

• Do I have gingivitis or periodontitis, and how far has it gone?
• How much bone have I lost, and can any be rebuilt?
• Do I need a deep cleaning, surgery or a referral to a periodontist?
• How often should I come for maintenance cleanings?
• What can I do at home to keep it from coming back?

Frequently asked questions