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?

Answers:
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.

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!

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periodontal (gum) disease, can it be reversed?

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