Raleigh. NC
We’re all more conscious of our health these days. Did you know about the health threats that gum disease poses? Gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects your gums–the soft tissue surrounding your teeth. In its advanced stage, periodontitis, this disease could destroy the bone that supports your teeth, resulting in loose teeth or even tooth loss. Read on as we explain 6 reasons you should treat your gum disease.
How does gum disease develop?
The main cause of gum disease is a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that is full of bacteria. Plaque accumulates, usually due to poor oral hygiene, and eventually develops into an infection on your gums. If left untreated, gum disease spreads, and the more widespread it becomes, the harder it is to treat.
Gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease, is symptomized by gums that are red, swollen or bleed easily, especially when you brush them. If you can treat gum disease in this stage, you avoid permanent damage. By the time gum disease progresses into periodontitis, the damage is irreversible.
5 Reasons to seek treatment
Reason 1) Less oral discomfort
Even in its earliest stage, a patient with gum disease has gums sore, inflamed, and bleed when you brush. In its advanced stage, periodontitis, the effects of gum disease can lead to tooth pain.
Reason 2) An attractive smile
The gums are crucial to how your smile looks. If your gums are swollen or bloody from gum disease, this can make you feel self-conscious.
Reason 3) Less risk of other oral health issues
When you have gum disease, it makes you more vulnerable to other, serious oral health problems. Patients with gum disease are more prone to suffer tooth decay due to the high population of bacteria in the mouth. Gums also recede during gum disease, and this can expose the tooth roots to bacteria, plaque, and possible decay.
Reason 4) Better breath
Bacteria and plaque contribute to bad breath and if you have gum disease, you have a proliferation of both. This can lead to foul-smelling breath. By treating your gum disease, your breath will smell fresher.
Reason 5) Improved general health
People who have gum disease may be more susceptible to certain chronic conditions such as respiratory illness, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiac disease, and stroke. There’s an established link between gum disease and diabetes. By contrast, having or maintaining excellent periodontal health can help reduce the risk of these other health problems.
Treating gum disease in Apex, Cary and Raleigh, North Carolina
Although frequent, periodontitis is typically preventable. It frequently happens as a result of poor oral and dental hygiene. Brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and schedule routine dental exams to help avoid periodontitis or increase your chances of successful treatment. At Triangle Perio, our team of oral health professionals can treat your gum disease. We also can perform a dental cleaning, which is the only way to remove all the plaque and tartar from your teeth.
Your health and general quality of life may be dramatically impacted by the treatment, or lack of treatment, of gum disease. Therefore, schedule your visits with Triangle Perio right now to reclaim your happiness! Find out more by calling (919) 782-9536 or contact us online.