To put it simply, gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It’s your body warning you that you must make changes to protect your teeth and gums from impending damage. Fortunately, gingivitis is relatively easy to treat if you come into Dogwood Family Dental soon after noticing symptoms. However, the condition can have serious consequences if left untreated.
Some signs of gingivitis (early periodontal disease) to look out for:
- Bright red gums
- Tender, painful gums
- Bleeding from the gums, especially when brushing and flossing
- Chronic bad breath
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Tooth decay and cavities
Gingivitis is normally the result of not keeping up with an ideal oral care routine. Skipping daily brushing and flossing can lead to a build-up of plaque and tartar, which eventually causes inflammation of your gums. The symptoms listed above are indicators that you will need to have plaque professionally removed from in between your gums and teeth (this process is known as a “deep cleaning”).
What happens if I don’t get treatment for gingivitis?
Without proper intervention from a dentist, gingivitis will advance to more serious stages of periodontal disease. For this reason, it’s best to do more than just brush and floss when you notice symptoms of gingivitis - make an appointment with Dr. Taylor to discuss next steps and learn more about fighting back against the plaque and tartar causing your oral issues.
If you don’t get treatment, other problems will begin to occur, including:
Bone Loss In Your Jaw
Periodontitis destroys and eats away at your jaw bone. This happens when aggressive bacteria combine with the white blood cells signaled by chronic inflammation to break down everything in their path: first connective gum tissue, then the underlying jaw bone and ligaments.
Infection in Other Parts of the Body
Chronic inflammation makes it possible for millions of bacteria to hop into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. This makes them extremely dangerous because they can trigger infection anywhere, even your heart or lungs.
Heart Disease and other Correlated Health Issues
Oral health isn’t always associated with heart health, but the two are closely connected. Research suggests that periodontal disease may cause a 19% increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease! This risk level surges to 44% among adults 65 or older.
Notice Symptoms of Gum Disease? Book a Visit
If you think you may have gingivitis (or if you think you may be in another stage of periodontal disease), we’re here to help. We have solutions to treat and manage any stage of gum disease, and we offer same-day appointments because we understand the importance of quick, efficient care. Call us today at (931) 528-6536 to book a visit and get the help you need to put your best smile forward.
