Gum disease can cause some severe issues with teeth, including eventual teeth loss if gum disease is left untreated for too long. Fortunately, through in-office treatment and good oral hygiene practices at home between visits, patients can treat and prevent gum disease and protect their teeth long-term.
The gums (and underlying jawbone) are the support system for teeth. They hold the root of the teeth securely. Subsequently, if the gums or jawbone is damaged by gum disease, then it can cause the teeth to become loose or fall out over enough time, in addition to other potential concerns with teeth that gum disease can cause.
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease or periodontitis, is an oral health disease that damages the gums and underlying bone. Periodontitis refers to a more progressive form of gum disease, and gingivitis a milder (yet still concerning) case of gum disease. Gum disease is typically the result of consistent acidic attacks caused by bacteria and particles from food and drinks and the build-up of plaque and tartar along and below the gum line.
The underlying jawbone, the gums, and the teeth are all interconnected. Any damage to the gums and jawbone could put the health of teeth in jeopardy as well. The dangers of leaving gum disease untreated include:
Many times patients ignore the seriousness of gum disease as it does not cause discomfort. However, the failure to treat gum disease can (and most likely will) lead to teeth loss at some point.
Of course, receiving treatment for gum disease first starts with a diagnosis. While some symptoms require an oral examination and dental X-rays during a dental check-up, patients can check for some symptoms regularly at home. The primary symptoms of gum disease include:
Dentists conduct an assessment of the patient’s periodontal health on every visit and conduct regular X-rays to ensure any symptoms of gum disease are detected as early as possible.
Of course, prevention is a much better strategy for dealing with gum disease than treatment. By practicing good oral hygiene, limiting the consumption of foods and drinks that may contribute to gum disease, and visiting the dentist regularly, gum disease can often be avoided. Be sure to speak with the dentist about ways to prevent gum disease while in between check-up visits.
If you have any early or progressive symptoms of gum disease, then reach out to our dental team today to schedule a check-up visit. During your first visit, we can examine the status of your gum health and teeth and put together a treatment plan to deal with any oral health concerns you may have.
Are you considering gum disease treatment in the Saratoga Springs area? Get more information at https://www.mysaratogadentist.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Most people have experienced seeing red on the bristles of their toothbrush, or a pink tint in the sink when they expectorate after brushing. It is normal to feel a bit of concern when noticing blood in the mouth because bleeding gums are a symptom commonly associated with gum disease. However, while chronic bleeding gums…
Dentists recommend proper oral hygiene from a young age to achieve good dental health for a lifetime. This is important for cosmetic reasons, but also to maintain overall health. One of the consequences of not brushing and flossing correctly is gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease. This condition originally affects the gums,…
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can be incredibly concerning and lead to other, more severe oral health issues if left untreated for an extended amount of time. Consequently, it is important to fully understand the various signs and symptoms of periodontal disease in order to be able to spot periodontal disease as soon as it…
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues. Many individuals, however, are unaware that they are dealing with the condition. Gum disease is believed to affect millions of adults in the United States, according to the International Journal of Health Sciences. Many people who do not currently have gum disease may develop…
Dental implants can be an effective tooth replacement option for anyone missing one or a few teeth or those needing all their teeth replaced. Many consider implants state-of-the-art tooth replacement. However, to enjoy this option's many benefits, the patient must be a suitable candidate for the procedure. Here are some key factors to take into…
Receding gums can be a symptom of gum disease, or they can be caused by poor oral hygiene habits, like brushing too hard. Some people also have a genetic predisposition toward developing gum recession. Regardless of the cause, gum recession leaves teeth roots exposed to acids in the mouth. This increases their risk of decay,…