Gum or periodontal disease is one the most serious oral health conditions because it can lead to tooth loss and impact multiple systems throughout the body.
Your Barrie, ON, dentist emphasizes prevention to lower gum disease risks, but treatment is crucial if you develop the condition.
What Happens If Gum Disease Is Left Untreated?
Gum disease threatens more than your oral health, and it extends beyond tooth loss. Without treatment, gum disease can impact the heart, lungs, and digestive system. Studies also associate gum disease with specific types of dementia, autoimmune conditions, and pregnancy complications.
In early gum disease (gingivitis), you may not have many symptoms, but as time goes by, you may notice:
- Bleeding gums, especially when cleaning your teeth
- Periodic toothaches or loose and mobile teeth
- Gum pocketing and recession—longer-appearing teeth
- Bad breath that recurs even after brushing and flossing
Gum disease starts as gingivitis before advancing to periodontitis. Only gingivitis is curable, whereas gum disease is merely treatable. This is one of the reasons regular dental checkups are so important.
Periodontal Disease Risk Factors
Risk factors include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Lack of dental care
- Tobacco use
- Hormonal changes
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Barrie, ON
We provide periodontal treatment in our dental office. The type of treatment and level of care is based on your disease activity. In other words, we customize your treatment plan to address your specific needs. Our goal is to restore you to better oral health and mitigate risks to your teeth and wellness.
Treatments may include planing and scaling (deep cleanings below the gumline), topical antibiotics, and custom teeth cleaning schedule.
For Periodontal Treatment, Contact Your Dentist Near Me
Periodontal disease is a severe oral health condition requiring your dentist's intervention. If you have questions or want to book a consultation with our dental team, give us a call today.
