Real Reasons to Worry About Gum Disease
June 7, 2023
Being told that you have gum disease can cause several different reactions, but what’s most important is realizing the need for treatment as soon as possible. The longer you wait to treat it, the more severe it can become, and the more extensive the results can be for your oral and overall health. At our Kansas City, MO, dental office, we can help you reduce the worries of gum disease by offering personalized periodontal treatment. By addressing the condition as early as possible, you have a better chance of protecting your smile and avoiding some of gum disease’s more serious consequences.
What Does Having Gum Disease Mean?
Gum disease is a chronic, progressive condition that involves bacterial infection in your periodontal tissues. Oral bacteria make up the plaque and tartar that cling to your teeth and gums, and when they remain long enough, they produce harmful substances that irritate and inflame your gums. This leads to gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, and it grows increasingly worse the longer it remains untreated. As it progresses, gum disease can lead to symptoms such as red and inflamed gums, chronic bad breath, loose teeth, and eventually, tooth loss.
What Happens if You Don’t Treat It Immediately?
The symptoms of gum disease grow increasingly worse over time, and its severe form is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. The sooner you treat it, the less likely you are to experience tooth loss and preserve your smile. You’re also less likely to experience some of the adverse effects that gum disease can have on your overall health. For example, the chronic inflammation associated with gum disease can affect many other aspects of your systemic wellbeing, increasing your risks of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and more.
What’s the Best Way to Address the Disease?
If we notice signs of gingivitis or gum disease during your examination, then the best way to address it is as soon as possible. For example, we may recommend periodontal cleaning (or deep cleaning) to remove the plaque and tartar from underneath your gums, allowing the tissues to heal properly. If your gum disease has advanced enough to cause damage to your periodontal tissues, then you may require more specialized periodontal treatment to restore them and your good oral health.
Call Us if You’re Worried About Gum Disease?
Gum disease can be a significant threat to more than just your smile, but with personalized periodontal treatment, you can mitigate that threat and save your oral health. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, call Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.