What Happens if You Don’t Treat Gum Disease?

According to studies, a large number of people suffer from gum disease, a condition that is often preventable. Poor dental health affects men, women, and children who experience tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease. Good oral health is vital not just for the teeth but for overall health. When you fail to treat gum disease, you can expect to continue to experience pain and discomfort. Without treatment, the condition becomes worse over time.

 

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease describes the condition where tissues that support the teeth become infected. Bleeding and swollen gums are usually an indication that the gum is infected. When left untreated, the infection will spread, destroying the tissues that support the teeth on the jawbone. Over time, the teeth become damaged and loose, and extraction may become necessary. Poor oral hygiene is a major cause of gum disease.

 

Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease progresses in stages, with the condition getting worse over time. The early stage of the disease is called gingivitis or periodontal disease. The infection affects parts of the gum during the initial stages. An individual may notice some signs of mild infection. With time, the infection spreads, affecting all the tissues. The surrounding teeth can also be affected by the infection. Different types of bacteria that are present in dental plaque lead to gum disease.

 

Signs of Gum Disease

Several signs can indicate the presence of gum disease. The signs include red, bleeding, and swollen gums. If your gums are swollen during and after brushing, it can be due to gum disease. Persistent bad breath or experiencing bad taste are also signs of gum disease. Loose teeth, receding gums, tooth loss, and tooth sensitivity due to receding gums are all signs of gum disease.

 

Untreated Gum Disease

If you do not treat gum disease, you will experience several issues. They range from tender and bleeding gums to tooth sensitivity and loss. If not treated, you may end up fighting different health conditions. Gum disease has been linked to various health conditions such as diabetes, respiratory, and heart disease. Regular visits to the dentist can help to prevent serious health complications. If caught early, gum disease can be treated successfully.

 

Treating Gum Disease

The objective of gum treatment is to place the infection under control. Thorough deep cleaning is usually the first step in the treatment process. Unlike regular brushing, professional deep cleaning involves the use of special instruments to get to the affected parts. The tartar is scraped off the gumline. As the surfaces of the roots are cleaned and smoothed out, the gums reattach back to the tooth. Antibiotics and antibiotic gel are given to fight bacteria.

 

Regular brushing and flossing are necessary to reduce gum disease. It is also important to get regular dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. Professional cleaning is key for preventing the disease. If you have bleeding gums or are concerned about your dental health, it is important to visit a dentist immediately. Pregnant women face the risk of premature delivery due to gum disease.

 

Learn more about treating gum disease, contact The Center of Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in  Navarre, Florida at (850) 409-6400 to book an exam.