Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. Gingivitis is caused by poor oral hygiene habits such as over-brushing or under-brushing teeth. It is also caused by certain medications and conditions. It is a condition that should be taken seriously, as it can be bad for your overall health. Here are some of the dangers of gingivitis to know about.
Periodontitis
This is a more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis can lead to other health complications such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke. Periodontitis is caused by the same poor oral hygiene habits that cause gingivitis. It can also be caused by heavy smoking, pregnancy, and certain medications. A periodontist will be able to diagnose and treat periodontitis effectively.
Tooth Loss
If gums become damaged and bleed easily, this can cause damage to the teeth and to your health as well because it is easy for bacteria to enter the mouth through the damaged gums. You may need dental implants or grafting of healthy bones. Tooth loss occurs when the bone attachments to teeth become loose. This can lead to pain, tooth loss, and gums around your teeth that bleed easily.
Tooth Decay
This is caused by bacteria in plaque in the mouth that cause decay which damages teeth. Over time, this can damage teeth and cause pain. Gum disease can weaken your immune system as well. This can lead to other health problems such as heart disease, stroke, or kidney problems.
Coronary Artery Disease
Gum disease can damage your blood vessels, which can lead to coronary artery disease. This is when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to and from the heart. If these arteries are blocked off completely, a heart attack can occur. Gum disease puts you at a higher risk of coronary artery disease than someone without gum problems.
Gum Disease and Diabetes
It is very important for people with diabetes to keep their mouths cleaned properly, as gum diseases are more common in diabetics. Diabetes itself increases your chance of getting gum disease. Diabetes is a condition that can be caused by poor dietary choices and non-stop eating and drinking. Gum disease can lead to damage of blood vessels in the eyes, which can lead to blindness. Gum disease can also cause gums around the teeth to become swollen, which leads to damage of blood vessels in the body. Diabetes usually causes an increase in inflammation of arteries that can lead to a heart attack.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
People who have gum disease are also at a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes certain joints in your body to become inflamed and painful. Some symptoms include swelling of the joints, redness, pain, stiffness, and fatigue.
Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis
This condition causes sores to appear in the gums, which can lead to tooth loss. The sores usually heal and do not leave scars but can reappear over time. It is a rare condition in the United States that can happen with very poor gum health. It is more common in developing countries.
Dental Specialists in Boynton Beach
It is important to visit your dentist once a year for a dental cleaning and check-up. They will be able to catch any small problems early and prevent the need for more expensive procedures later on. Gum disease is very painful, but it can be avoided if you practice good dental hygiene and see your dentist regularly.
Contact Eriks Dental Group to schedule an appointment with our dental team today to stop the early signs of gingivitis before the condition worsens. We’re happy to diagnose gum disease and come up with a customized treatment plan to treat it.