3 Ways Gum Disease Can Change Your Life

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You might not consider a dental issue something that could completely change your life, but in the case of gum disease, the consequences can be so severe that it literally changes aspects of your daily life and routine. For instance, when you have gum disease, you can control it to stop it from growing worse, but you may not be able to completely cure the disease. If you lose one or more teeth to the disease, then it can even change how you interact with people on a daily basis.

You Can Lose One or More Teeth

Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, and it’s more likely to lead to lost teeth the longer you leave it untreated. Gum disease erodes the periodontal tissues and jawbone structure that support your teeth roots and hold them steady. When these tissues can no longer support all of your teeth, you can lose one or more of them, or require tooth extraction so your dentist can properly address the condition.

It Can Affect Your Systemic Health

The main factor in chronic gum disease is inflammation, which runs rampant through your periodontal tissues as the disease progresses. Chronic inflammation in your oral tissues can increases your risk of inflammation in other areas of your body, leading to heightened risks of inflammatory conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and more.

It’s a Lifelong Disease

When gum disease first develops, the beginning stage (gingivitis) can often be reversed with prompt periodontal cleaning. However, if you hesitate and gingivitis matures, then gum disease may no longer be curable. Your dentist can recommend deep cleaning and a schedule of periodontal maintenance visits to prevent gum disease from growing severe enough to complicate your oral and overall health.

Learn How to Fight Back Against Gum Disease

When left ignored, gum disease can create several different complications for your oral and overall health, impacting your overall quality of life. To learn how to fight back against gum disease, schedule a consultation with Dr. Burds by calling Gateway Dental Group in downtown Des Moines, IA, at (515) 244-9565.