Gum disease might start with something small, like bleeding gums. But if you keep ignoring it, it can turn into a much bigger problem damaging your gums, teeth, and even the bone that supports them. But what needs to be understood is, that it’s not just about your mouth, as gum disease can also lead to other health issues like diabetes and heart problems. The good news? Getting gum disease treatment early can stop it from getting worse and keep you healthy. Taking care of it now is a lot easier than dealing with the complications later.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and the tissues that support the teeth. It is caused by a buildup of bacteria (plaque) on the teeth.
Gum disease (periodontitis) can’t be completely cured once it progresses beyond the initial stage (gingivitis), but it is manageable and can be reversed or stabilized with proper treatment and consistent oral hygiene.
While early gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible with good oral hygiene and professional treatment, the advanced stage (periodontitis) can cause irreversible damage to the tissues and bones supporting the teeth, though progression can be halted. You can manage early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) with good home care, more advanced cases (periodontitis) usually require professional dental treatment.
Signs of Gum Disease
Yes, it is easy to ignore the early symptoms of gum disease, but detecting them early will save you a lot of problems later on. Here’s what to look for:
- If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it could mean gum disease.
- Healthy gums are pink and firm. So, if yours look puffy or red, it’s a warning sign.
- If you have bad breath that doesn’t go away, it might be from bacteria in your gums.
- If your teeth are looking longer, it’s probably because your gums are pulling back.
- Do your teeth feel like they’re wiggling? This might impair the support structure surrounding them.
What Happens If You Ignore Gum Disease
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to a series of health conditions that might affect more than just your mouth. If the requirement is ignored, then the following may occur:
1. Tooth Loss
Your teeth may fall out if the gum disease is not addressed. Your teeth will ultimately become loose and unable to remain in place because the infection damages the gums and bones that support them. Losing teeth can also damage your jawbone, causing it to shrink and even alter the contour of your face.
2. Persistent Swelling and Redness
This is typically detected early by swollen or red gums. It occurs when plaque accumulates on your teeth, inflaming your gums. They may become red, painful, and swollen; the swelling may even cover some of your teeth. This may occur over your entire mouth or just around a single tooth.
3. Bad Breath
This causes frequent bad breath. It is produced by bacteria in your mouth that produce a foul odour when they digest leftover food. If you don’t clear it out, the scent worsens, as does your gum health.
4. Diabetes
Gum disease and diabetes can worsen one another. Serious gum infections are caused by bacteria that are aided in growth by high blood sugar. This can also increase blood sugar, which makes diabetes more difficult to manage.
5. Cardiovascular Disease
This might raise your risk of heart issues. Gum inflammation has the potential to migrate to the heart, raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of a heart attack.
6. Respiratory Problems
Gum disease increases the risk of illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis because oral germs can enter the lungs. Additionally, it can exacerbate pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD by increasing airway inflammation.
7. Pneumonia
As previously said, a gum infection puts your immune system on high alert, which results in inflammation throughout your body, including your lungs. This may increase your susceptibility to illnesses like COVID-19 and, in the event that you do become ill, may result in more severe sequelae.
8. Bone Damage
The foundation that holds your teeth in place can be weakened by severe gum disease, which can progressively erode the jawbone. A sunken appearance, changes in face structure, and tooth loss might result from this. Advanced procedures like bone grafting may be necessary to restore stability if untreated bone loss persists over time.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
To keep your gums healthy and avoid problems, just follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Give your teeth two daily brushes.
- Step 2: Floss every day regularly.
- Step 3: Schedule routine examinations with your dentist.
- Step 4: Consume a lot of water and wholesome meals.
- Step 5: Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
- Step 6: Aim to abstain from tobacco use and smoking.
Conclusion
Tags: Gum DISEASEORAL HEALTH