Do you have sore or reddened gums? Do you notice a bit of blood coming from your mouth when your brush or floss between your teeth? If so, you may be suffering from gum disease or periodontal disease. This condition comes in many forms and stages but may progress relatively painlessly such that by the time you see the signs, your gum disease may be treatable but not reversible.
That's why the dental professionals at Chesapeake Bay Dentistry in Annapolis, MD want you to know how vital it is that you maintain regular dental visits, check-ups, and cleanings. These allow us to detect potential gum disease early and thereby reverse its damaging effects.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease as it's technically known, is a persistent infection in your gum tissues resulting from plaque and bacteria build-up. Unfortunately, this same issue also causes tooth decay, cavities, and eventual tooth loss. Because of these impacts, Dr. Polizois wants you to know how serious this condition can become.
When gum disease first takes hold, it's known as gingivitis. If it goes untreated, gingivitis can bloom into full-blown periodontal disease. While this progression may take several years, it can have numerous negative impacts, among them being:
- Receding gums
- Loosening and shifting teeth
- Eventual tooth loss
Persistent and untreated infection can also hurt your overall well-being. Studies show that oral infections may spread to other parts of the body, causing you to feel generally bad, with low energy and potential complications to other conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, to name just a few.
Gum Disease Treated Early Is Reversible
The Chesapeake Bay Dentistry team can't overemphasize the importance of early detection and treatment of gum disease. When you have gingivitis, thorough cleaning and follow-ups can completely reverse it. In later stages, we can treat your gum disease will a deep cleaning followed by smoothing your gums to fight future infections. However, your gums may never return to full health if it has gone too long.
Gum Disease Treatments from a Dentist Near Me in Annapolis, MD
Your gums are the foundation for every one of your teeth, so you want to keep that foundation strong. Towards that end, we encourage you to call our dental office in Annapolis, MD, and schedule an appointment today.