Gum disease is incredibly common disease. For adult Americans over the age of 40, the majority of them are affected by gum disease. Despite being so common, many people are still unsure how to defend against gum disease and why it is so important to do so. While the earliest stage, known as gingivitis, can be reversed if managed early, the advanced stages of gum disease cannot be reversed. Advanced gum disease can be dangerous to both your smile’s health and your body’s health.
It Is Progressive and Persistent
Gum disease occurs when harmful bacteria accumulates on and along your gums, which can eventually cause inflammation, swelling, redness, bleeding, and foul breath. Noticing these early warning signs can give you a chance at reversing the infection and preventing the progression of gum disease. If you don’t defend against gum disease forming in your smile and you don’t manage it in the advanced stages, it can create problems for your smile and health.
It Can Affect Your Well-Being
Bacteria can create bad breath by releasing sulfur compounds. Because of the amount of bacteria in your mouth, advanced gum disease is a common cause of halitosis. This kind of chronic bad breath that will not go away even with the best of hygiene. Advanced gum disease can also increase your risks of health problems like stroke, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and other inflammatory issues.
It Can Lead To Tooth Loss
Advanced periodontal disease can destroy your gum tissue and eventually the underlying bone that supports your ridge of teeth. This destruction of the supportive structures for teeth can lead to tooth loss. By the time many patients seek treatment for gum disease, it has already caused enough damage to the gums and jawbone to make tooth loss or extraction inevitable. This makes it so important to keep up with routine dental visits, so that gum disease is identified before it takes a toll on your health.
Gum disease can become detrimental to your smile
Dr. Young can help you defend against gum disease. We proudly help patients from Breaux Bridge, Broussard, Scott, Youngsville, and surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, contact us at our Lafayette, LA, dentist’s office at 337-237-6453.