6 Dangers of Untreated Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious oral health condition affecting the gums and jawbone. It is caused by bacteria that accumulate in the mouth, resulting in inflammation of the gums and eventual destruction of the bone around them. You may experience bad breath, swollen and tender gums, bleeding, or loose teeth.
Gum disease is reversible if caught and treated early. However, it may advance to periodontitis if not addressed and lead to other conditions and complications. You must visit a dentist near you if you notice gum disease symptoms for immediate treatment.
Dangers of Untreated Gum Disease
- Tooth loss.
Tooth loss is a serious threat to oral health, and periodontitis and decay are the primary causes of tooth loss. Untreated gingivitis can cause the weakening of the teeth’ structure, causing the teeth to weaken. This may cause more teeth to fall out than they should in the long run.
- Diabetes.
Diabetes is a gum disease risk factor but can also cause gum disease. Some people who have diabetes develop gingivitis because their gums become inflamed and infected by the bacteria that are normally found on the surface of their teeth.
Diabetes is not infectious, but it can still be painful and uncomfortable if you don’t treat it properly. If you have diabetes and experience mouth sores due to bad breath, swelling around your lips/teeth/gums, or difficulty eating certain foods due to sensitivity in one area only, then visit a dentist in Peoria for an assessment.
- Heart disease and stroke.
Gum disease can lead to significant health problems if left untreated. Recent studies have shown a strong connection between gum disease and heart disease, and stroke, suggesting that the bacteria in the mouth may be able to travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Heart attacks are also linked with untreated gingivitis or periodontitis. This is because inflammation inside your arteries may cause them to narrow or become blocked by plaque buildup.
- Respiratory Disease.
Bacteria in your mouth can enter your bloodstream and move to parts of your body where they don’t belong. This can cause infections, lung disease, and pneumonia.
This often occurs when bacteria enter your bloodstream through tears in gums or other areas where they are not supposed to be present—and then get into other parts of your body, such as the lungs (pneumonia).
- Bone loss
When periodontal disease is left untreated, it can cause the bones that support your teeth to deteriorate. This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease can damage the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. Over time, this damage can lead to tooth loss. Gum disease can also make it difficult for your body to absorb calcium, which is essential for strong bones.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Recent research has also linked gum disease with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the joints. It can also cause inflammation in the lungs and heart. RA is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues by mistake.
It’s not clear exactly how gum disease might contribute to RA. One theory is that the bacteria in plaque may trigger an inflammatory response when they enter the bloodstream. This could cause the immune system to attack the joints. Another possibility is that people with RA are more likely to develop gum disease because of their weakened immune systems.
How To Avoid Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss, so it’s important to avoid it. Here are some tips:
1. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to maintain dental health
2. Eat a healthy diet and avoid a sugary snack
3. See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Schedule Appointment
Gum disease is a serious oral health issue that can lead to tooth loss and irreversible damage to other organs in your body. Visit Westbrook Village if your gums look suspicious for assessment and treatment.