What Happens When Gum Disease Is Left Untreated?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection that affects the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. It is caused by bacteria in plaque buildup and can lead to serious oral health problems if left untreated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gum disease affects nearly half of adults over 30 in the United States.

Without proper treatment, gum disease can cause pain, tooth loss, gum recession, bad breath, and other complications. Fortunately, it is preventable with good oral hygiene habits such as daily brushing and flossing combined with regular visits for professional dental cleaning in Bonney Lake. However, some may leave gum disease untreated, and this may lead to more serious issues.

What Happens When Gum Disease Is Left Untreated?

#1 – Painful Pus-Filled Pockets

When left untreated, the gum tissue can start to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets between the gum and teeth. These pockets can become filled with bacteria and an infection-fighting fluid called pus, causing gum inflammation and pain.

#2 – Periodontal Ligament Damage

When gum disease is left untreated, it can also cause periodontal ligament damage. This is when the gum tissue, bone, and ligaments that surround the teeth become destroyed. This can lead to gum recession and tooth movement, as well as an increased risk of gum infection and inflammation.

#3 – Periodontitis

Untreated periodontal disease can further develop into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. It poses more serious symptoms, and can also cause lasting damage to the gums, teeth, and even the jaw. Treatment for periodontitis usually requires gum surgery and scaling and root planing to remove tartar from the tooth’s root surfaces.

#4 – Receding Gums

As gum disease progresses, it can cause gum recession which is the loss of gum tissue along the gum line. This exposes the tooth’s root and can result in shorter-looking gums, sensitivity, gum bleeding, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. In some cases, gums that have receded are not able to grow back, so treatment is essential.

#5 – Tooth Loss

If gum disease is not properly treated, gum pockets can become so infected that the gum and bone supporting the teeth become too weak to hold them in place. This can lead to tooth loss and gum tissue damage that may not be able to be repaired.

#6 – Jawbone Damage

Untreated gum disease can also cause damage to the jawbone and even lead to facial deformities if gum recession is severe. In some cases, it can be so aggressive that the jawbone may become eroded and unable to support teeth.

Gum Disease Symptoms

Before it gets worse, gum disease usually presents mild to moderate symptoms. If you see any of the following signs, please visit your dentist for an evaluation.

• Bright red or purple-looking gums
• Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
• Pain when chewing
• Toothache
• Swollen, tender gum tissue
• Receding gum line
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Loose teeth
• Changes in the way your teeth fit together when biting down

Proper Treatment

#1 – Scaling and Root Planing

The first step in treatment is usually scaling and root planing. This procedure is performed to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the gum pockets, and it is usually done with a local anesthetic.

#2 – Antibiotics

In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help eliminate gum infection and reduce gum inflammation.

#3 – Surgery

In worse cases, gum disease can require gum surgery to restore gum tissue and bone. This procedure is usually done with local anesthetic and sedation dentistry for comfort.

Consult Dentistry at Bonney Lake for Holistic Periodontal Therapy

When one or more of the symptoms of gum disease is present, the best thing you can do is consult with a dentist as soon as possible. At Dentistry at Bonney Lake, we provide comprehensive assessment and proper treatment based on your gum condition.

Our periodontal therapy is non-surgical and helps restore gum health in a holistic way. Our board-certified dentists are able to evaluate gum health and provide effective treatment, helping you get your gum tissue back to its healthy state.

Contact us today to know more our services and how we can help you. Our office is located at 21230 WA-410 Bonney Lake, WA, and you also set an appointment online or by calling (253) 236-7456. We look forward to hearing from you!