Do you worry enough about gingivitis? Gum disease is a problem that affects many people. Fortunately, the right care can stop an infection from worsening and restore the health of your gums before there are long-term problems. However, if that care is not received in time, your condition can worsen. At this stage, you will face potential complications from periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease that can be difficult to control. Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office will check on the condition of your gums as well as your teeth at every routine dental exam. If there are signs of poor health that call for attention, we can provide care to fight the bacteria that are gathering on the roots of teeth causing problems. We can also provide preventive services to help you avoid this trouble, and support to help you practice better daily habits.
1. Your Infection Can Grow Worse And Become Harder To Treat
If nothing is done in time, gingivitis will worsen and make you vulnerable to long-term difficulties. Periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease, can create permanent trouble, and without the appropriate management it can lead to problems like tooth loss and issues with your general health. One reason regular dental exams help you is that they create regular checks for your periodontal health as well as the health of your teeth. When an infection is identified and addressed before worsening, you avoid long-term complications that can lead to cosmetic and health issues.
2. Gum Disease Can Lead To Tooth Loss
You might be surprised to learn that gum disease is a more common cause of tooth loss than dental decay. What can problems with your gums do to cause this issue to occur? Bacteria on the roots of your teeth can damage the tissues supporting a tooth over time. If this happens, those teeth will start to become loose and insecure, leading to their loss or the need for tooth extraction. While our goal is to prevent issues that cause tooth loss, we are prepared to provide treatment with a dental implant-held restoration or dental bridge if this issue has already affected you.
3. Poor Periodontal Health Can Affect Your General Well-Being
Bacteria that gather beneath your gum line can enter the bloodstream and move to other parts of your body. When this occurs, it can lead to more health issues, including potential problems with your heart! Periodontal problems can sometimes make other active oral health issues harder to manage.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist’s Office About Gingivitis
Your Ankeny, IA dentist is ready to help you if you need to do something about gingivitis! In addition to providing quality preventive care, we can take on active problems that require restorative services, and discuss the benefits of different cosmetic treatments if you want to improve your appearance. To find out more, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
