Do you know the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, can become a more serious oral condition if not treated? Yes, gum disease can be reversed if caught and treated early. If you have been told that you have gum disease, you are not alone. In fact, “moderate or severe periodontitis, gum disease, is present in about 22.9% of the Australian population, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Dental Statistics Research Unit,” Older adults have a higher prevalence of gum disease than young people.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an oral condition that causes inflammation on the gums and supporting structures of teeth. The inflammation can result in red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It is caused by certain bacteria due to poor dental habits. This is why gum disease is found in older adults as they couldn’t follow a good oral regime since their movements are restricted. However, it can be treated and reversed at an earlier stage. If left untreated, you may lose the teeth. If the bacteria are not removed, the inflammation can spread to the gum line and destroys the supporting structures of the teeth, leading to tooth loss.
This condition is called gingivitis. If it is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis. By the time you realise you have periodontitis, severe damages could have been done. The inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and the pockets in a person with periodontitis.
Symptoms
If you experience the following symptoms, speak to your Balmain dentist:-
- Loose teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Sores in your mouth
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Pain
- Bleeding while flossing, brushing, or eating
- Gums that pull away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
- Pus between your teeth and gums
Long-term risks of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease can be devastating and disastrous for your long-term oral health. In fact, you may not even realise that you are affected by an advanced stage of gum disease. By the time you realise, your teeth may have become loose, or that your gums are redder than normal. In many cases, these are the only symptoms you can observe.
This is why it is essential to schedule annual check-ups with a family dentist Balmain, especially if you are impacted by a more serious form of gum disease. You can also call the dental clinic Balmain and schedule the appointment.
People with type 2 diabetes or other chronic health conditions are more likely to be impacted by gum disease. Men are more likely to be affected by periodontal disease than women. Besides, people who smoke are at greater risk of suffering from this condition. If not treated, the bacteria can travel to the body through the oral cavity and leads to other chronic health condition.
Speak to your dentist Balmain if you suspect that you may have gum disease and practice good oral hygiene habits to keep dental problems at bay.
