Charles Howenstine DDS | How Early Gum Disease Can Be Arrested Through Routine Care

Charles Howenstine DDS

Charles Howenstine DDS frequently explains that gum disease often begins as mild inflammation that can be arrested before it causes permanent damage. Early-stage gum disease is typically driven by bacterial buildup along the gumline and is often reversible with timely care.

In the initial stages, gum inflammation may cause redness, swelling, or bleeding during brushing. At this point, the supporting bone and connective tissue are usually unaffected. Professional cleanings combined with improved home care can arrest the disease process and allow the gums to return to a healthier state.

Arresting gum disease requires consistency. Daily brushing and flossing disrupt bacterial growth, while professional cleanings remove hardened deposits that cannot be eliminated at home. When inflammation is arrested, bleeding decreases and gum tissue becomes more resilient.

Charles Howenstine DDS stresses that arrested gum disease means stability rather than cure. Regular monitoring remains important to ensure the condition does not progress. If gum disease advances to bone loss, surgical treatment may be required, making early intervention critical.

By identifying gum disease early and maintaining consistent care, many patients are able to keep inflammation arrested and avoid more invasive procedures.