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Gum disease is a common oral condition that affects millions of Aussies every year. Yes, according to the Australian Dental Association, “3 in every 10 adults have moderate to severe gum disease.”
Gum disease can be reversed if caught early and prevented if proper oral hygiene habits are followed. But, many of us don’t care much about our oral health until experiencing tooth pain that’s unbearable, aren’t we? Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and various life-threatening health conditions if left untreated. So, we, Baulkham Hills dentist, wanted to share some valuable insights on gum disease and what can happen if it’s ignored.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissues around the teeth. It’s one of the significant causes of tooth loss in adults. Often, gum disease is painless and by the time you realise, it would have done irreparable damages, resulting in tooth loss. There are several stages of gum disease, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and its’ treatable. When treated at this stage, gum disease can be treated and reversed. It occurs when the gum infects and gets red and swollen. Sometimes, gums can bleed easily when brushing and can cause bad breath.
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it will progress to periodontitis and advanced periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis can weaken the gum tissues, resulting in spaces between the tooth and gum. The gaps become breeding grounds for bacteria as they can trap food particles and infect the gums, leading to more swelling and infection. Over time, the bone supporting the teeth will weaken, become lose, and cause the teeth to fall out.
Since gum disease is painless in most cases, you will never know you have gum disease. That’s why it is important to visit the Baulkham Hills dentist every six months to keep dental problems at bay.
What Are The Signs Of Gum Disease?
- Bleeding and swollen gums
- Pain when chewing
- Loose gums and teeth
- Bad breath
- Redness of gums
- Receding gums
- Sensitive teeth
If you are experiencing any of the above signs or symptoms, please visit the emergency dentist Baulkham Hills.
What Can Happen When You Neglect Gum Disease?
Heart disease
Chronic inflammation in our body is dangerous to our over well-being. It becomes a serious problem when the body’s cells start to attack healthy cells. This is also one of the reasons why gum disease is linked to heart disease. Patients with poor oral hygiene are three times more prone to heart disease.
Diabetes
Studies show the link between gum disease and diabetes. High blood sugar levels can help the bacteria to thrive and attacks healthy teeth and gums. On the other hand, gum disease can increase blood sugar levels, leading to other health conditions due to high diabetes.
Pneumonia
Chronic gum disease can cause pneumonia, asthma, and COPD. This is because the infection in the gum disease triggers the immune system and cause inflammation throughout the body, including the lungs and airways.
Need more information about treating gum disease? Would you please call dental clinic Baulkham Hills to schedule an appointment? We are happy to assist you with all your queries and suggest the right treatment option for you.