How does periodontal disease permanently affect the smile?
Periodontal disease can have a permanent effect on the smile in many ways. Knowing how it can impact the smile will help you understand the advantages of preventing it from developing in the first place. Below are just a few of the ways it can cause damage to the teeth, gums, and bone:
- Gum recession. The disease can cause the gums to recede, exposing more of the tooth root. This can make teeth look longer than they are and leave more tooth structures exposed to cavities.
- Bone loss. Periodontal disease can cause the loss of bone around the teeth, which can lead to instability of the natural teeth and eventually tooth loss. It can also cause certain restorations to become loose and fail, such as dental implants.
- Bad breath. Patients with periodontal disease will often find that they have bad breath, or halitosis, that is difficult to manage, even with brushing and flossing.
- Health problems. Untreated, periodontal disease can lead to several health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. This is because the bacteria enters the bloodstream and is carried to other body parts, causing inflammation and continued medical issues.
- Lost teeth. Losing bone can lead to teeth becoming loose and ultimately being lost if the condition is not treated correctly.
It is critical to seek treatment for periodontal disease as soon as it is diagnosed and to be proactive about protecting the smile from developing the infection.
How do I learn more about periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a serious condition that can have harmful implications for one’s oral health and wellness. If you live in the Edison, NJ area and want to speak to a dedicated, experienced dental team about preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease, call Drs. Brad Strober and Rebecca Kucharsky Hiess of Gentle Dental Care to discuss. The office can be reached by calling 732-549-5660.
