Gum disease is one of the most common oral health concerns for adults, but fortunately, it’s often treated and managed before it can lead to significant consequences. For instance, if you treat gum disease in its early stage, you can stop it from progressing and preserve your healthy periodontal and oral tissues. However, if it becomes more severe, treating periodontal disease could require more extensive treatment and ongoing maintenance to control the many different risks that it could pose. These risks include a greater chance of experiencing tooth loss and requiring comprehensive restoration to rebuild your smile.

The consequences of severe gum disease

Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease to develop, is caused by excessive oral bacteria building up along your gum line. Some of these bacteria can accumulate underneath the gum tissues and remain there, as your toothbrush and floss can’t reach them to clean them away. The resulting infection in your gums marks the beginning of gum disease, and the resulting inflammation in the tissues and ligaments are a significant cause of the damage that gum disease can be responsible for.

How to spot the signs of early gum disease

One of the reasons gum disease can often become more severe is because people don’t always take the warning signs of it seriously enough to seek treatment early. However, there are warning signs that you can notice in gingivitis’ early phase, including redness in your gums and slight swelling in one or more areas. The best way to spot these signs as early as possible is to pay close attention to the appearance of your teeth and gums every time you brush and floss them. If you do notice any changes, then it’s important to schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible to determine if they indicate gingivitis or more advanced gum disease.

Dealing with your gum disease properly

Because of the potential for serious harm that severe gum disease can cause, the best way to deal with it is to prevent from ever developing in the first place. Ideally, this can be accomplished by consistently and diligently brushing your teeth and gums and flossing at least once every day, as well as attending routine checkups and cleanings with your dentist. If you do develop gum disease, then successfully detecting the signs and addressing the condition as early as possible will be the most effective way to preserve your healthy smile.

Treat your gum disease as early as possible

When gum disease progresses, it causes extensive damage to the tissues that support your teeth and smile, which can have severe consequences for your long-term oral health. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling MMC Dental in Houston, TX, today at (713) 926-8896.