Is it a Big Deal to Ignore Gum Disease?

Apex, Cary, and Raleigh, North Carolina

People with poor oral hygiene often discover gum disease at the dentist. Unfortunately, some may ignore the warning and the problem, even though many will try to improve their oral health. Unfortunately, advanced gum disease could cause severe health conditions that may lead to death. Our Raleigh-area dentists explain why gum disease is a big deal and how to protect your smile and health.

Periodontitis definition:

An influx of oral bacteria causes gum inflammation, also called periodontitis, which is an active infection due to poor oral health. Inflammation occurs when the body fights infection. Bacteria can get into tooth pockets and harm gums and teeth. This illness damages the soft tissue and the jawbone that holds teeth. Without treatment, the disease destroys tooth-supporting bone, resulting in loose teeth and tooth loss. You can avoid gum disease if you take good care of your teeth by brushing and flossing daily and getting dental cleanings and exams every six months.

What causes periodontitis?

Periodontitis doesn’t develop overnight and is a progressive disease. That means dentists should be alerted to early warning signs and symptoms. You may notice tender, sore, swollen, red, or bleeding gums. Periodontitis can cause bad breath that’s difficult to treat. Periodontitis can loosen and move teeth without treatment, say our Apex dentists that treat periodontitis. If you have any of the above symptoms, please call our office.

Gum disease vs. periodontal disease

Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. Gingivitis causes swollen, red, bleeding, and painful gums due to plaque, hormonal changes, poor oral hygiene, and smoking. People who don’t care for their teeth and gums may be more susceptible to developing periodontitis. In addition, you may lose a tooth from the progressive condition unless you seek professional dental treatments.

Gum disease risk factors

People who don’t brush, floss, or visit the dentist regularly are more likely to get gingivitis, which can lead to periodontitis. Smoking is a risk factor for periodontitis and can affect treatment effectiveness. Additionally, a weakened immune system can increase your periodontitis risk. Diabetes, cancer, AIDS, and stress can weaken your immune system’s ability to fight bacteria. Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause hormone changes can also increase infection risks. Therefore, it’s essential that you practice daily oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly to keep your oral health in check and prevent gum disease.

Gum disease affects

Periodontal disease can harm oral and overall health and causes tooth loss, which can cause jawbone resorption, shifting teeth, and a sunken face. In addition, periodontitis links to rheumatoid arthritis, intestine inflammation, obesity, Alzheimer’s, and certain types of cancer. For pregnant women with gum disease, their risks of pre-term birth or low birth rate increase. Therefore, if you notice early periodontitis signs, act quickly by contacting our office for treatment to protect your teeth and health.

Gum disease treatments

Periodontitis responds best to early treatment. In early cases, scaling and root planning can remove plaque and tartar from teeth, gums, and tooth roots. The process removes tartar buildup, which harbors harmful bacteria responsible for gum disease. Severe cases may require surgery to restore a healthy smile. Our Raleigh periodontists may recommend reducing pocket depth, getting soft-tissue grafts, or regeneration. Your treatment plan will center around your oral health needs. But the most important step to take is the first one by scheduling a consultation for an oral exam.

Gum Disease Treatment in Cary, Apex, and Raleigh, North Carolina

Gum disease is a severe condition that can dramatically affect oral and overall health and wellness. For the best protection against harmful health conditions caused by oral bacteria, regular dental hygiene and checkups at our dental office in Cary are necessary. So, when you notice gum sensitivity, bleeding, or redness, contact Triangle Periodontics immediately to schedule an appointment. Please call us at (919) 782-9536 or contact us online today.