Top 6 dangers of untreated gum disease

 

Gum disease is a serious oral health concern that requires prompt treatment. Your dentist can monitor your oral health if you attend your regular dental visits every six months. However, failing to regularly visit the dentist can result in gum disease. The condition often quietly progresses despite the need for immediate treatment. Below, you will find the top 6 dangers of untreated gum disease. 

Top 6 dangers of untreated gum disease

Gum disease is a harmful condition that can lead to a number of additional oral and overall health issues. While some of the issues are minor, there are some that are much more serious. Consider the following dangers of untreated gum disease.

1. Bad Breath: While bad breath may seem minor, it can have an impact on your life. Persistent bad breath can lead to interpersonal and social issues. It can also impact your self-esteem. You don’t want to be the person people avoid talking to due to your bad breath, so it’s important to regularly visit the dentist. Without doing so, the harmful bacteria in your mouth can emit bad breath. 
2. Gum Recession: Untreated gum disease can cause your gums to recede. This can expose the roots of your teeth and cause sensitivity. Gum recession not only comes with pain, but it can also impact the appearance of your teeth. If you notice changes in your gums, your gum disease has progressed and requires prompt treatment.
3. Tooth Loss: Untreated gum disease can lead to complete tooth loss. This is a serious consequence of the condition. The infection ultimately damages the supporting structures around your teeth, including the bone and soft tissues. If you experience loose teeth, contact a dental professional right away for treatment.
4. Additional Dental Treatment: Leaving your gum disease untreated often leads to more serious oral health issues. This often requires additional dental treatment beyond just treatment for your gum disease. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need gum grafts, bone regeneration, and extraction. In addition, you may also need tooth replacement if you have lost any teeth. This can be expensive and time-consuming, so it’s important to seek treatment at the first sign of gum disease.
5. Unwanted Symptoms: Gum disease can come with a number of unwanted symptoms that can impact your daily life. This includes pain, discomfort, and temperature sensitivity. In addition, you may experience bleeding gum, inflammation, and bad breath. Avoid these issues by regularly visiting the dentist. They can provide helpful tips on preventing gum disease. Additionally, early intervention is key to controlling gum disease if you do have it.
6. Overall Health Issues: One of the more serious dangers of gum disease is the impact it can have on your overall health. In fact, gum disease is linked to chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. It is also linked to respiratory issues. This occurs because the harmful bacteria can get into your bloodstream and impact other parts of your body. Gum disease requires prompt treatment as early as possible to avoid the potential impact it can have on your overall health.

Treatment for Gum Disease

Gum disease is a treatable condition. However, early intervention is key to reducing your risk of additional issues. The type of treatment depends on the severity of your gum disease. Common treatments include professional dental cleanings, scaling and root planing, or surgical procedures. You may need to make some lifestyle changes and continue visiting the dentist to maintain your oral health. The team at Premier Dental Esthetics is skilled in treating gum disease. Contact their dental office today to schedule an appointment!