Find Out How Gum Disease Can Affect More Than Just Your Mouth

Gum disease in Waterbury is more than just a problem for your teeth and gums. While it may appear in the form of red, puffy, inflamed, and even bleeding gums, if left untreated it can pose a serious threat to your overall health. The mouth and body are closely connected, so if problems exist in the mouth, inevitably, they will begin to show in other areas, such as your brain or heart. Learn more about this common disease and how it can lead to serious, and even, fatal consequences.

What Are the Stages of Gum Disease?

There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Some dentists believe there are actually three stages with the third being a more advanced version of periodontitis. Either way, all forms of gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease, range from mild to severe, and what can start as minor can quickly advance into something much more serious.

The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. This causes gums to be red or puffy and may bleed a little bit when brushing and flossing. If treated in this stage, your dentist can thoroughly clean and remove any plaque and tartar buildup before you go home and begin to diligently practice good oral hygiene habits. If this is done successfully, you can reverse the gingivitis.

The second stage is periodontitis, and this is what can ultimately lead to tooth and bone loss. If gingivitis isn’t caught early enough and it escalates into periodontitis, your gums will be red, inflamed, bleeding, and over time, may begin to loosen. To try and maintain the integrity of your smile, it will be suggested that you undergo periodontal therapy in Waterbury.

This process will include a “deep cleaning,” which is also referred to as scaling and root planing. During this procedure, your dental team will remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, as well as smooth out the tooth’s root, so it will reattach to the soft tissues. This process can take several visits to the dentist office, so you can expect to be seeing your dentist much more often.

What Can Happen if Gum Disease is Left Untreated?

Apart from potential tooth and bone loss, there are many complications that can be attributed to gum disease, including:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Dementia and/or Alzheimer’s
• Respiratory disease
• Premature birth or low birth weight

When harmful bacteria builds around the gum line and the infection and inflammation enter the bloodstream, it can travel to different areas of the body. Whether it is the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, or any other area, it can lead to serious problems. If your immune system is already weakened due to an autoimmune disorder or systemic condition, it will make it much harder to fight off any infection.

Because the mind and body are so closely connected, it often works both ways in that if problems exist in one place, you can expect to see problems in the other. As a word of caution, it’s always best to keep your regular dental checkups and cleanings, as they can serve to be your best ally in the fight against gum disease. When caught early, it can be reversed, but if you wait too long, you might be looking at years of treatment and money spent to save your oral health.

About the Authors
Dr. Luciano Marini earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut before attaining his dental degree at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Ann Marie Mancini received her doctoral degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Overseeing Waterbury Smiles, Dr. Marini and Dr. Mancini often see patients with varying degrees of gum disease. As one of the most common dental problems, it is imperative that our team of professionals get ahead of the problem before it worsens. To find out how Dr. Marini or Dr. Mancini can help you, visit our website or call (203) 575-9097.