Gum disease is a common condition that affects the health of your gums and teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious complications, such as:
– Gum abscesses: These are painful collections of pus that form in the gums due to a bacterial infection. They can cause swelling, fever, and bad breath. If the abscess is not drained and treated, it can spread to other parts of your body and cause life-threatening problems
– Receding gums: This is when the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots and making the teeth look longer. Receding gums can cause tooth sensitivity, decay, and infection. They can also affect your appearance and self-esteem
– Loose teeth: This is when the teeth become unstable and wobbly in the sockets due to the loss of bone and tissue that support them. Loose teeth can make it hard to chew, speak, and smile. They can also fall out or need to be extracted by a dentist
– Tooth loss: This is the ultimate consequence of untreated gum disease. Tooth loss can affect your oral health, nutrition, speech, and quality of life. It can also increase your risk of developing other health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and arthritis
To prevent these complications, you should see your dentist as soon as possible if you have any symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding, swollen or sore gums, bad breath, or loose teeth. Your dentist can diagnose and treat gum disease by removing the plaque and tartar that cause it and giving you advice on how to maintain good oral hygiene. You should also brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss or use interdental brushes daily to clean between your teeth, visit your dentist and hygienist regularly for check-ups and cleaning, quit smoking if you smoke, eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary foods and drinks