Glendale Dentist Explains How Gum Disease Can Intensify Over Time

Written by Dr. McKay on Aug 16, 2011

When your gum tissue is not healthy, your entire smile is going to suffer. Gum disease is a very serious issue, and our Glendale dentists have found that this problem is surprisingly common among adult dental patients.

Once your gum tissue has become infected, it is critical that you seek treatment for this problem in a timely matter. If gum disease is left untreated it will likely intensify over time: leading to more serious oral health problems.

Here are some issues that can come along with gum disease at various stages in its progression…

When your oral tissues first become infected you might notice that your gums look red or swollen, and that they are prone to bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth. People who are dealing with gum disease may also suffer from chronic, tough to treat bad breath. This is because the same bacteria that cause these infections emit unpleasant odors.

As gum disease intensifies you’ll likely notice that your smile undergoes some structural changes. Importantly, as part of periodontal disease, the connective tissues in your mouth will start to weaken. This may cause your gum tissue to actually pull away from your teeth, causing periodontal pockets. These gaps between your gum tissue and your teeth collect bacteria and perpetuate infection.

Your teeth may also start to feel loose, and they my shift around your gum line, because the connective tissues that hold them in place are loosening. In fact, periodontal disease can become so bad that it causes tooth loss, and even bone tissue deterioration.

In order to support your oral health, please take the time to get the prompt treatment for gum disease that you need. Our Glendale dentists are here to help you, so call us with any questions or to schedule a consultation!