Here’s Why Gum Disease Should Be Treated Early
When dental problems get worse, their treatment can become more costly. You might also experience a slower recovery due to the late treatment. Almost all dental problems are easily treated when detected early. For instance, gum disease can get worse and even cause severe damages to your general health if it isn’t treated on time. If you are experiencing some symptoms of gum disease, keep reading to learn what you should do to prevent it from getting worse.
Gum disease or gum infections are problems that affect the gum due to inadequate dental care or other dental issues. The gums are the pink base that holds the teeth in place. It can cause other health complications when they are infected, especially when left untreated for too long.
Our dental structure is well designed, and every part of it is important. When one part of the dental structure is unhealthy, the whole dental structure could be in trouble.
Germs are everywhere, and they can get into parts of the body. However, when too much bacteria accumulates, it can make us sick and cause damages to the body. The same thing happens to our oral health. When food particles are stuck in the teeth for too long, they can cause plaque and tartar to build up. Unfortunately, plaque always gets harder whenever it accumulates. When this happens, the gums begin to get infected.
Gum infections don’t just suddenly get worse. Gum infections start with gingivitis (mild gum infection), and when it is left untreated for a long time, it then turns to periodontitis (advanced gum infection). At the advanced stage, it can cause damage to your dental and general health if left untreated.
Signs of Gum Disease
Several signs may indicate that a person has developed a gum infection. Since gum infections can exist for a long time without showing any signs until they get worse, knowing about the symptoms can help you detect gum infections at their mild level. However, the best way to detect a gum infection is by visiting a dentist for a proper dental checkup. Until you have gotten a diagnosis from the dentist, you can’t be sure you have developed a gum infection. Nevertheless, you should see the dentist when you notice the following signs.
- Swollen or protruded gums
- Sores inside the mouth
- Weak or loosened teeth
- Receding gums
- Constant foul odor in the mouth (halitosis)
- Difficulties with biting
- Abscesses between the gums and teeth
- Red gums
What are the Dangers Of Untreated Gum Infections?
Pain or Discomfort: When gum infections are at the mild stage (gingivitis), you might not experience severe pain or any pain at all. However, when the gum infections become worse and still aren’t getting treated, the pain can become unbearable, especially when flossing or brushing your teeth. See your dentist once you start experiencing this type of pain.
Bleeding Gums: At the mild stage, the gums can become irritated, thereby causing the gums to bleed while you’re brushing or flossing. However, not all bleeding gums indicate gum infection. Bleeding gums might also suggest that you have an injury. Your dentist is the best person to determine the cause.
Tooth Loss: Due to the receding gums, the teeth can become loose. At this stage, you could lose your tooth if the gum infection isn’t treated.
Health Conditions: You might be wondering what connection the gums have with other parts of the body. However, do not forget that the infection can spread to other parts of the body. Gum infections can lead to medical conditions like heart issues, stroke, hypertension, and diabetes.
Increased Blood Sugar Level
Over time, accumulated plaque can cause the gums to get infected. The plaque can harden and release bacteria into the bloodstream, eventually affecting the immune system. While the body is trying to prevent infection, the blood sugar levels will increase to help get rid of the bacteria. Patients affected by diabetes might have difficulties recovering from gum infections since the body’s immune system is down.
Gum Disease Can Put You At Risk Of Covid-19
People who have gum infections are at higher risks of contracting Covid-19 or experiencing its complications. Covid-19 is a chronic respiratory infection that can spread from one person to another.
See the dentist for an oral exam in Youngtown to prevent gum infections from putting you at risk of contracting Covid-19.