Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria. It’s often a precursor to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can cause tooth loss and other complications. While gingivitis may seem like a minor inconvenience, the risks of not treating it can be significant. In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential consequences of neglecting this common dental issue and offer some tips on how to treat and prevent it.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria. It’s usually seen as red, swollen or bleeding gums that are aggravated by certain foods and products. Brushing and flossing can help treat it, but if left unchecked, it can lead to periodontal disease, which is much more difficult to treat.

Symptoms

Early signs of gingivitis include: red, swollen or bleeding gums; bad breath; receding gums; loose teeth; and a change in the fit of your dental prostheses. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

What are the Risks of Not Treating Gingivitis?

Tooth Decay:

One of the first signs of gingivitis is bleeding gums when you brush or floss. If left untreated, the inflammation can damage the tissue and ligaments that support the teeth. This can lead to tooth decay and, eventually, tooth loss. Furthermore, as gum disease progresses, the bacteria responsible for it can spread to other parts of the mouth, including the hard-to-reach areas between teeth. This can lead to cavities and other serious dental problems.

Bad Breath:

Another common sign of gingivitis is bad breath. The bacteria that cause gum disease release foul-smelling gasses as they digest the sugars and other debris in your mouth. If left unchecked, this odor can become quite noticeable, and may even lead to social embarrassment. Chronic bad breath can also be a sign of more serious dental issues, so it’s important to get checked out by a dentist if you notice any persistent odor.

Heart Disease:

Recent studies have found a link between gum disease and heart disease. While researchers aren’t sure exactly how the two are related, they suspect that the bacteria responsible for gingivitis can travel through the bloodstream and affect the walls of the heart and blood vessels. This can put people with gum disease at greater risk for heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues.

Diabetes:

People with diabetes are at greater risk for gum disease, and vice versa. High blood sugar levels weaken the immune system and make it more difficult to fight off infections like gingivitis. At the same time, the inflammation caused by gum disease can make it harder to manage blood sugar levels, which can exacerbate diabetes symptoms. If you have diabetes, it’s especially important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent gum disease.

Pregnancy Complications:

Pregnant women are also at higher risk for gingivitis because of hormonal changes that make the gums more sensitive. If left untreated, gum disease can increase the risk of premature birth or other complications during pregnancy. For this reason, dentists often recommend pregnant women get a dental checkup during their second trimester.

As you can see, the risks of not treating gingivitis can be serious. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent and manage this common dental issue. Regular brushing and flossing, along with routine checkups and cleanings from a dental professional, can help keep your gums healthy and prevent the progression of gum disease.

Make an Appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry

If you notice any signs of gingivitis, like bleeding or tender gums, bad breath, or loose teeth, don’t hesitate to seek out treatment from Mountain Aire Dentistry. Your gum health is an important part of your overall well-being, so it’s worth taking care of.