If you are worried that you may have gum disease, you may think that it is no big deal. How much damage can gum disease do?
The answer is, more than you think. In fact, without treatment, gum disease can be responsible for irreversible damage to your teeth and gums. In fact, gum disease can alter the shape of your jawbones as well as the shape of your face.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is caused by bacteria. Bacteria is always present in your mouth. You can keep it under control by brushing and flossing, as well as visiting us regularly. However, if you let your oral hygiene slip, you may get gum disease. Gum disease starts with an inflammation of your gums at the gumline. Your gums might feel red and inflamed. They might also bleed when you brush or floss. In this early stage of gum disease, you can treat the gum disease with improved dental hygiene.
What If My Gum Disease Is More Serious?
Once the disease progresses past stage one, it becomes more difficult to treat, and it is impossible to cure. Beginning at stage two, pockets develop between your teeth and gums. These pockets or spaces allow infection to set in. The infection of your gums is serious. It can lead to the destruction of your gum tissue. Over time, you will not only lose gum tissue, but you will lose teeth as well.
That’s because once your gum tissue deteriorates, there is nothing holding your teeth in your jawbone. When your teeth begin to fall out, your jawbone becomes involved. You will begin to lose mass in your jawbone. Over time, this will change the shape of your jawbones themselves.
If all of this sounds scary- it is. However, with good oral hygiene and treatment, we can stop the spread of gum disease. If you are worried about your gums, why not give us a call today? We can help you have healthy gums for life.
