Considering Putting Off Your Periodontal Treatment? What’s the Worst That Could Happen?

Do your gums bleed every time you brush or floss? Do you have a persistent case of bad breath, regardless of how diligent you are about brushing? Do your teeth appear longer all of a sudden because your gums have started to recede?

All of these can be a sign of gum disease, and if you decide to put off treatment with your Pikesville periodontist, the worst that can happen is that you can lose your teeth.

Gum Disease Will Not Go Away On Its Own

When you have an infection in your gums, no amount of brushing and flossing will get rid of it. Some people even hold back on brushing and flossing because their gums bleed when they do so. This is counterproductive.

When you have gum disease, only your dentist can deep clean below the gum line to get rid of the plaque and tartar that have built up in the pocket area between the teeth and gums.

Gum Disease Is the Leading Cause of Tooth Loss Among American Adults

Gum disease is an insidious disease that often starts with no symptoms whatsoever. By the time your gums are bleeding, or pockets of pus have formed, you are likely in full-blown periodontal disease. Left untreated, it will begin to destroy the bones and ligaments that support your teeth—leading to tooth loss.

Gum Disease Is Treatable—If You Don’t Ignore It

The earlier you catch periodontal disease, the easier it is to treat it. The only way to know for sure if your gums are healthy is to visit the dentist twice each year for examinations and cleanings. Between visits, practice good oral care at home by brushing and flossing regularly. It’s important to keep up with your oral health and to remember that you can’t have healthy teeth without healthy gums.

Don’t put off treatment for gum disease. Call Naylor’s Court Dental Partners, your Pikesville periodontist, today!