Yes, untreated periodontal (gum) disease can lead to serious health issues. It doesn’t just cause bad breath or bleeding gums. Over time, it can destroy your jawbone, loosen your teeth, and even raise your risk for heart problems. Many people ignore gum disease in its early stages because it doesn’t always hurt, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless.
What Are the Consequences of Periodontal Disease?
When periodontal disease isn’t treated, you’ll have more problems than bad breath and red gums. The consequences are:
- Receding gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Permanent tooth loss
- Damage to the jawbone
- Increased risk of heart and lung problems
Ignoring gum disease can make treatment more difficult and expensive later. Early treatment can help stop or reverse the damage.
How Can a Periodontist Help?
A periodontist in Crestview is a dentist with special training in treating any stage of gum disease. Periodontists provide the following types of treatment:
- Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing)
- Laser gum therapy
- Gum surgery
- Bone grafting
Early treatment can stop the disease and save your teeth. If you live in or near Crestview, visiting a periodontist right away can help protect your smile and your health.
What Happens If Gum Disease Is Not Treated?
Still wondering what happens if gum disease is not treated? Here’s what you can expect as it worsens:
- Gingivitis – Red, swollen gums that bleed easily.
- Mild periodontitis – Plaque spreads below the gum line.
- Moderate periodontitis – The Bone supporting teeth begins to erode.
- Severe periodontitis – Teeth loosen or fall out, gums pull away, jawbone shrinks.
Without treatment, gum disease doesn’t go away on its own. It keeps getting worse, silently damaging the foundation of your smile.
What Are the Signs of Severe Gum Disease?
The signs of severe gum disease are easy to spot if you know what to look for:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Gums pulling away from teeth (gum recession)
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Pain when chewing
If you notice any of these, it’s time to take action. Severe gum disease won’t heal without professional care.
Does Gum Disease Lead to Tooth Loss?
Yes, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. It is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Here’s how it happens:
- The gums become infected and pull away from the teeth.
- The bone that holds the teeth in place breaks down.
- Teeth no longer have support and may fall out.
Unlike a cavity, which affects one tooth, gum disease can cause multiple teeth to loosen and be lost if left untreated.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Periodontal Disease?
The long-term effects of periodontal disease affect more than your mouth. Some of these effects include:
- Jawbone loss
- Changes in facial structure
- Higher risk of heart disease and stroke
- Poor control of blood sugar in diabetics
- Premature birth or low birth weight in pregnant women
These are serious health risks. That’s why dentists and periodontists stress the importance of early detection and treatment.
Why Early Treatment Saves More Than Just Your Smile
Catching gum disease early doesn’t just save your teeth. It can also:
- Prevent expensive treatments like implants or surgeries
- Improve your breath and overall oral comfort
- Protect your heart and immune system from further health risks
- Boost your energy by reducing chronic inflammation
- Make daily brushing and flossing easier with healthier gums
Seeing a dentist near you regularly and cleaning your teeth professionally keeps gum disease from getting worse. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your whole body’s health.
Protect Your Smile Before It’s Too Late
Gum disease doesn’t stop; it only gets worse when you ignore it. If you’re seeing signs like bleeding gums or loose teeth, don’t wait. Early treatment can stop the damage, save your smile, and protect your health. Need Help with Gum Disease? At Freedom Dental, our team can assess your gums, explain your options, and connect you with a trusted periodontist if needed. Call Freedom Dental today to schedule your gum health check. Protect your smile before it’s too late!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the first sign of periodontal disease?
- The earliest sign is gum bleeding when brushing or flossing. Other early signs include bad breath, gum redness, and slight swelling.
- Can periodontal disease make me lose all my teeth?
- Yes. If untreated, periodontal disease can cause multiple or even full tooth loss by damaging the bone and tissues holding your teeth.
- How is periodontal disease diagnosed?
- Dentists check for gum pocket depth, bleeding, gum recession, and bone loss using X-rays and a dental probe.
- Can periodontal disease affect my heart?
- Yes. Studies show links between advanced gum disease and heart disease, stroke, and clogged arteries due to systemic inflammation.
