6 Things That Can Happen if Gum Disease Is Left Untreated
December 4, 2016
Oral health is not just about your teeth; it is just as important to have healthy gums. When you start to experience signs of gum disease, it is key to get it treated right away. That is why Dr. Patrick Cieplak screens patients for gum disease and encourages early detection and treatment. When left untreated, gum disease can lead to the following issues.
Lost Teeth
One of the major consequences of gum disease is lost teeth. As the gum separates from the tooth, the root becomes exposed. This increases the risk of decay in the roots, which can loosen the hold on the tooth. Eventually, the two will separate and you will lose a tooth.
Sensitive Teeth
The exposure of the roots when the gums loosen leads to more sensitive teeth. This means you will feel pain when drinking or eating certain foods, even if you did not beforehand.
Heart Disease
Gum disease often begins with a bacterial infection that might build up as plaque. This can enter the bloodstream and attach to plaque in your arteries, contributing to the risk of heart disease, especially atherosclerosis.
Dementia
The bacteria from your mouth might also cause dementia. One study found that the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients had more bacteria normally associated with gum disease than the control patients. There was also a correlation between good oral hygiene practices and a lower risk of dementia.
Bad Breath
As your gums recede due to gum disease, you will start to experience tooth and root decay. This leads to bad breath.
Diabetes
New research also finds that gum disease might play a role in the development of insulin resistance, which is the precursor to type II diabetes, most likely due to the inflammation involved in gum disease.
Contact Us Today
It is important to catch gum disease as early as possible to reduce the risk of developing one or more of the associated problems. Call us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cieplak and get started.