Is Gum Disease a Serious Health Issue?

Gum disease is a serious health threat as its early signs are undetectable by merely looking in the mirror. Only a trained periodontist can identify the earliest form of gingivitis with the training and skills they have. The irritation you feel on your gums can be so mild that you may not feel it.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

The common symptoms of gum disease are: 

• Red and swollen gums
• Gum soreness
• Signs of persisting bad breath
• Teeth shifting and loosening 
• Bleeding while brushing and flossing

The earlier you seek treatment, the more successful it will be. You shouldn’t sit and wait until the symptoms appear, so visit your dentist and get regularly examined. The examinations can reveal the signs you may not notice with your own eyes.

How badly can gum disease affect your dental health and smile?

Gum disease affects not only your oral health but also your overall health and smile. The effect can be in the following ways:

1. It can spread into your bloodstream.

Just like any other bacterial infection, gum disease is dangerous and also spreads. As soon as it makes its way inside your mouth, it starts to spread into your bloodstream. That can lead to heart disease, stroke, and all other kinds of chronic health issues.

2. Gums become unhealthy and unattractive.

Your smile would certainly get affected by this infection. It is evident that when the gums get unhealthy, it makes them look unattractive. You need perfect teeth and healthy pink shaded gums as well to have a beautiful smile.

3. You will have a persisting bad breath

Even after using breath spray, mouthwash, and by carefully brushing your teeth twice a day, you may be having a tough time getting rid of that chronic bad breath. It could be a sign that you have periodontal disease. The odor cannot be removed by any mints or mouthwash, as it occurs when your gums deteriorate.

4. Your teeth get loose, or even worse

Gum disease may weaken the gums loosening teeth from its socket. The infection-causing bacteria would begin to eat away your gum tissue that holds your teeth in its stable structure. Just as the gums recede, teeth would start losing their foundation and get loose. If you don’t get any treatment, then you will end up losing your teeth.

Call us at (801) 542-0998 or schedule an online appointment with our best dentists for a consultation at our office in Herriman, UT.