A Dentist Explains the Dangers of Gum Disease Although there are often no painful symptoms of gum disease when it is in the early stages, it is crucial to treat gum disease as soon as it is detected. Otherwise, the disease could worsen or lead to more severe oral health concerns, including the risks of gum disease, that require extensive treatment to properly address.

The risks of not treating gum disease

Understanding the dangers of gum disease can provide the extra motivation to help you keep your oral health where it needs to be through good oral hygiene. The notable risks of gum disease if it is left untreated for an extended amount of time include gum recession, bone loss in the jaw, teeth sensitivity, tooth infections, loose teeth, and teeth loss.

Gum recession

Gum recession occurs when the gums start to recede away from the tooth crown. This is a more serious symptom of gum disease. However, gum recession progresses over time, so it can be hard to detect without regular dental visits. Minor gum recession may not cause many concerns initially, but gum recession that gets progressively worse can expose the tooth root and increase the risk of oral infection and teeth loss.

Bone loss in the jaw

Gum disease affects the underlying bone as well as the gums. The jawbone is what holds the teeth roots into place, so any jawbone loss puts teeth in jeopardy of becoming lost. Bone loss often happens as a result of progressive gum disease (periodontitis). This not only makes it more likely that teeth loss occurs, but it also complicates the dental implants process, as patients are more likely to require a bone graft procedure before implant placement.

Sensitivity and infection

Gum disease can further expose teeth roots. This makes the patient more vulnerable to a tooth infection and the need for root canal therapy to avoid severe discomfort and tooth loss. This is particularly a risk for patients that have both teeth decay and gum disease. Other symptoms of gum disease such as recession and deep gum pockets increase this risk.

Deep gum pockets

When deep gum pockets form, then it can put the long-term health of surrounding teeth at risk. The depth of the gum pockets is one of the first things a dentist checks for when conducting an assessment of the patient’s periodontal health.

Teeth loss

Without proper treatment, teeth loss can eventually result from gum disease. This can happen decades after the symptoms of gum disease are first noticed or much sooner. Teeth may first become loose or infected before eventually falling out largely due to gum disease, leading to the need for teeth replacement via implants or traditional dentures.

Preventing gum disease with routine check-up visits

Gum disease prevention should include routine check-up visits, which allow your dentist to detect signs of gum disease early and help you put together a treatment and prevention plan. If it has been more than six months since your last dentist visit or you experience symptoms of gum disease, then schedule a visit with our team today. To schedule an appointment, call Regency Court Dentistry at (561) 998-0727 or visit our dental office located in Boca Raton.