Periodontal diseases are aggravated gum infections affecting the gums and nearby structures, including the tooth, tissues, and jawbone. They are hard to notice at their onset. That's why they can easily worsen if left unattended. You would need to get periodontal care in Candler, NC, to manage the problem and save your overall health.
The first stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. It is primarily caused by poor oral health practices, like the absence of regular toothbrushing, flossing, and deep cleaning. When we eat, food particles will stay around the teeth and at the gumline. Deep-seated calculus will further seep through the gums and cause more dental issues.
It increases the risk for periodontitis - an irreversible gum disease that can only be managed by treatments like scaling and root planing.
What Will Happen If Gum Infections Are Left Untreated?
Receding, Swollen, and Red Gums
Healthy gums look pink in color and are tightly attached to the teeth. When you begin to see small black triangles at the base of your teeth, that is an indication that your gums have started to recede. At first, it may only be an issue of looks, but when this issue intensifies, it can lead to swollen gums - usually containing pus inside.
Tooth Loss
The gums are one of the structures that hold the teeth together. Tooth loss can easily happen when the very foundation that holds the teeth in place falls apart. Additionally, the tooth's pulp is usually affected when a bacterial infection invades the tooth. This leads to tooth decay, causing the tooth to die permanently.
Teeth Shifting
When some of your teeth are missing, the nearby teeth will shift to adjust to the space due to the missing teeth. This shifting can cause misaligned teeth or crooked teeth and further affect your ability to bite and chew. Moreover, it ruins the beauty of your smile, causing you to feel disheartened about it.
Bone Loss
The jawbone is an important feature of a person's facial appearance. Once this is affected, the patient can see changes in the way they look. Unfortunately, this change will only make them look older than their actual age.
More Serious Conditions Like Stroke and Diabetes
As the problem reaches the stage of moderate periodontitis, the infection can integrate into the person's bloodstream. Blood travels around the body, which means that the infection can easily reach areas where it shouldn't. Therefore, this can lead to stroke and diabetes.
Get Periodontal Care in Candler, NC
Periodontal diseases can be life-threatening if left untreated. When you notice that your gums bleed when brushing your teeth, that's a clear manifestation of a gum problem. Additionally, when you see other signs like bad breath or bad taste, painful chewing, loose or sensitive teeth, red or swollen gums, and any change in the way your teeth fit together, it's best to visit your periodontist immediately to have your mouth checked.
You can only reverse periodontal diseases at their early stages. And since they are typically not prominent during this phase, only a dentist would be able to see you are suffering from it.
At Cataloochee Dental Group, we have a team of skilled and experienced dentists that specialize in giving periodontal treatments. We promise to do our best for every dental procedure we do. Contact us today to prevent serious dental problems from happening.