When you’re brushing or flossing, you may think that seeing a small amount of blood appear is not a big deal. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. When left untreated, gum disease can have some serious implications for your long-term oral health and your smile overall. According to a periodontist, bleeding gums are actually a clear sign of gum disease in Frisco. If you want to avoid the most serious side effects of this incredibly common infection, including tooth loss, keep reading!
The Many Stages of Gum Disease
In the earliest stages, gum disease may not even be noticeable. Whether it’s during your at-home oral care or when you’re eating your favorite meal, you may have gum disease and not even realize it because the early stages don’t often have any symptoms. This is why gum disease is often referred to as the “silent killer” in periodontal and dental circles.
Once it does start to show symptoms, that means it has already begun to damage your gum and soft tissue. This includes tenderness in the gums, bleeding while brushing, chronic bad breath, red or purple gums (or inflammation), and gum recession. This stage is often referred to as periodontitis, which can have varying degrees of severity.
Keep in mind that this is well beyond the gingivitis stage, which is a form of gum disease that can still be reversed without professional treatment. Once it becomes periodontitis, it can become more serious and lead to major side effects.
Why Does Gum Disease Lead to Tooth Loss?
The gums should really be getting just as much care and attention as the teeth because they hold many crucial responsibilities for your long-term oral health. For example, they provide a lasting foundation for teeth, ensuring they can stay in place when chewing food and speaking. Additionally, as the gums begin to recede in response to the infection, the bone and soft tissue becomes more exposed to oral bacteria. This makes it substantially easier for infections to develop and teeth to fall out.
Thankfully, most gum disease can be prevented when you know how to practice the right preventive steps.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
Gum disease develops when dental plaque goes unremoved for too long and is allowed to grow and develop. This is what leads to gum inflammation, irritation, and eventually tooth loss. To prevent this from occurring, make sure to:
- Brush twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste
- Floss at least once a day
- Maintain regular checkups and cleanings with a dental professional
- Keep a balanced diet complete with fruits and vegetables
- Consider adding an oral rinse to your oral care routine
Gum disease doesn’t have to be something you settle for. Whether you believe you’re at risk for the condition or you already notice symptoms, get in touch with a periodontist in Frisco today to give yourself peace of mind!
About the Author
Dr. Zachary A. Carnow has been working as a periodontist for over eight years now and holds expertise in many treatments in the field. He’s also board-certified, which means he’s completed extensive training in his specialty and has gone above and beyond educational requirements to practice in the field. To schedule an appointment with his office, you can contact him through his website.