If your goal is to sustain a healthy smile, you should be worried about more than just whether or not you have any cavities that require restorative dental work. If your gums are not healthy, you can face some potentially serious consequences that may surprise you. Gingivitis, the first stage of an infection, can become a problem by causing bad breath, frequent bleeding of your gums, and problems with your gum line. If the matter is not managed in time, the long-term consequences of an infection can actually impact your general health! Your Virginia Beach, VA can provide periodontal support as part of a larger commitment to protecting your oral health.
1. You Can Have Frequent Issues With Bad Breath
One embarrassing issue connected to gingivitis is persistent bad breath. This problem, also known as halitosis, can be a persistent one when you have an untreated infection. Other concerns connected to gingivitis are a sensitivity to bleeding when you brush and floss, issues with swelling and discoloration, and gum line recession.
2. Tissue Damage From An Infection Can Cause Tooth Loss
Why do people sometimes lose their teeth as they age? The leading cause of this problem is connected to poor periodontal health. When gingivitis is not reversed in time, the resulting periodontal problems can cause you to struggle with attachment loss. This means that the tissues keeping your teeth in position can be destroyed, robbing teeth of support and making them susceptible to loss.
While modern prosthetic dental work can supply you with a permanent, attractive restoration, your goal should be to avoid tooth loss. Keeping up with regular dental checkups can help with this, as you can count on input and treatment from your dentist before gingivitis becomes more serious, and more difficult to manage.
3. Periodontal Problems Can Affect Your General Health
The bacteria that can infect our gums can cause problems with inflammation, which can become an issue if those bacteria travel to different parts of your body. Unresolved troubles with gum disease can potentially affect your risk for heart disease, including problems with a condition known as endocarditis. Some existing health issues, like diabetes, can be negatively affected if you develop gum disease.
Your Virginia Beach Dentist Can Help You Deal With Gum Disease
The goal when maintaining your healthy smile is to protect your teeth as well as your gums from problems. Through smart preventive oral care, you can defend yourself against harmful bacteria that threaten your well-being, and put you at risk for serious problems. In addition to making sure you have a thorough oral hygiene routine in place at home, you can count on your Virginia Beach, VA dentist to help during regular dental exams! For more information, call Absolute Dental Care at (757) 428-7440.
