What Happens if Gum Disease Goes Untreated?
Gum disease is a common oral health issue that dentists treat. You may focus more on cavity prevention, but gum issues can be just as critical to your wellness. Putting off treatment can cause more serious issues. You should first recognize the signs and symptoms of this condition and then seek your dentist’s help right away. If you address gum problems promptly, your general dentist can prevent additional consequences and even reverse its effects. There are also things you can do to combat the disease on your own.
An understanding of gum disease
Also known as periodontitis, this disease affects the tissue in your mouth. It can destroy the gums and, eventually, cause tooth loss and bone loss. The condition starts out as gingivitis, which includes swelling and bleeding of the gums. Unchecked, it can become more severe, causing pain and discomfort. Other symptoms can include bad breath, gum recession, and spaces between the teeth.
Periodontitis occurs when bacteria build up on the teeth and at the gumline. This causes a sticky substance, known as plaque, to form. When it hardens, it becomes tartar, which destroys the gums and teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are the most effective ways to prevent the disease. Using a mouthwash can help eliminate bacteria in the mouth as well. People should also regularly see the dentist for examinations and checkups.
Tooth loss
As gum disease progresses, the teeth can begin to pull away from the gums. This can cause the teeth to become loose and shift. Over time, the teeth could fall out on their own. The teeth could also be more prone to being knocked out.
Bone loss
Along with tooth loss, there can also be problems with the jaw. As gum disease becomes more serious, the jaw can shrink, deteriorating the bone that supports the teeth. Bone loss not only contributes to tooth loss, but it can change the shape of the person’s face. It can also affect speech. Once there is bone loss, it cannot regrow on its own; the dentist would have to do a bone graft.
Infections
The bacteria that cause gum disease can impact more than the gums and teeth. If the patient does not receive treatment, infections can develop in the mouth. This can cause intense pain and may require a root canal or tooth extraction. The infection could spread throughout the mouth and face.
Cardiovascular issues
Perhaps the most alarming consequence of ignoring gum disease is that it can get into the bloodstream. When this happens, the infection can reach the heart, affecting the cardiovascular system. Periodontitis is a cause of heart disease. This condition can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
A matter to take seriously
You should care about your health, and it can start with your gums. Flossing and brushing regularly will reduce your risk of developing gum disease. It is clear to see why you should not put off getting help for this condition. If your gums hurt or are swollen or bleeding, talk to your dentist right away.
Request an appointment here: https://vedafamilydentistry.com or call Veda Family Dentistry at (201) 210-5423 for an appointment in our West New York office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in West New York, NJ.
Related Posts
Most people know about cavities, but what about gum disease? Both of these issues can affect your oral health, but people often overlook gum problems. There are varying levels of severity when it comes to this condition. Even minor bouts with it can cause pain and discomfort. If you do not treat it, you could…
Are you interested in learning more about Invisalign® clear aligners to determine if it is an effective treatment option for you? Many people who want straighter teeth do not think about the daily routine necessary to take care of braces or clear aligners. Considering how convenient your teeth straightening option will be is important, as…
Going to the dental office regularly likely means that the teeth will be cleaned on a routine basis, however, this does not mean that a deep teeth cleaning will be done. A deep teeth cleaning is actually different than the routine one that is done at a check-up. Many patients initially believe that a deep…
Partial dentures are a great way to improve your smile, oral health, and ability to function by replacing missing teeth. It is helpful to have a full understanding of what partial dentures are and why they are often the more preferable treatment solution for patients to decide if treatment is right for you.This review defines…