Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis and will impact many people at some point during their lifetime. Unfortunately, the early signs can be subtle and easily missed until gum disease in Oshawa becomes advanced and may become chronic. Although most people know they need to brush and floss frequently to help prevent tooth loss in Whitby, not everyone realizes the potential effects of gum disease on oral and overall health.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection affecting the periodontal tissues, which are the gums, jawbone, and periodontal ligaments that hold teeth in place. It is caused by the bacteria in dental plaque and can develop if oral care is a bit lax. When allowed to build up, these bacteria produce toxins that infect and inflame these tissues, eventually destroying them, so teeth start to loosen.
Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced gum disease causes significantly more symptoms, including receding gums, bad breath, and bleed-prone gums. At this point, teeth may also begin to loosen. Advanced periodontitis is a major cause of tooth loss in Ajax. Losing teeth can make it tricky to eat. Self-esteem can be impacted, especially if the tooth loss is visible or affects speech. Even worse, your overall health could be impacted.
How Can Advanced Periodontitis Affect General Health?
As your gums start to bleed and pull away from your teeth, the bacteria that cause gum disease can begin to enter your bloodstream. Once inside, they can easily travel anywhere in your body, causing new sites of inflammation. Although the connection isn’t yet completely understood, advanced periodontitis has been linked with cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and diabetes. If you have existing health problems, then having periodontitis could potentially worsen them.
Periodontitis is avoidable, and if you visit Margolian Dentistry regularly, we can closely monitor your gum health. If we notice any changes like gingivitis, we can provide prompt treatment. Gingivitis can often be treated by cleaning your teeth professionally and reviewing your oral care routine. Making some simple, such as using a different brushing technique or adopting a different way to floss, can make a real difference. Persevering with the new routine will help your gums become stronger and healthier within a few weeks. It is crucial to stick with this routine to help avoid a recurrence of gingivitis.
What if I Already Have Advanced Gum Disease?
If you already have signs of periodontitis, we can ensure you see our periodontist, Dr. Bishara. A periodontist is a dental specialist who treats gum disease. They can assess the degree of infection and inflammation and devise a suitable treatment plan. The aim will be to eliminate as many harmful bacteria as possible so your gums can fight back and recover. Because advanced gum disease can be chronic, treatment may be ongoing, so you might need regular appointments to deep clean your gums and help manage this condition.
Please schedule your appointment with us for a dental checkup. It could help to save your teeth and protect your general health. We can soon determine if you have gum disease and provide prompt treatment or a referral to our periodontist for more specialized dental care.
