Periodontics and Gum Health: Why Your Gums Are as Important as Your Teeth

According to the National Library of Medicine, nearly half of adults in the US have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. It is the leading threat to dental health and the top cause of tooth loss. The rate of gum disease increases with age (69% of adults 65 and up have gum disease).

Gum disease may increase your risk of severe health conditions. Can gum disease kill you, though?



Read on to find out! Use these oral wellness strategies to improve your periodontal health today.

Healthy Gums Importance

Do not take your gum tissue for granted. Your gums are part of a larger group of tissues called the periodontium. They surround, support, and protect your teeth.

Losing Teeth

Without sufficient gum tissue, our teeth can become wobbly and loose. They may fall out due to our pressure when speaking and chewing. 

Each tooth root provides the jaw bone with stimulation. Without this stimulation, your jawbone may start to deteriorate. Losing a tooth may cause your cheeks to sink inward, leading to changes in your appearance.

You may feel self-conscious after losing a tooth. According to Science Daily, after losing teeth, patients experienced:

• Self-consciousness
• Depression
• Shame
• Anger
• Fear

The embarrassment may affect your quality of life. You may smile less often, causing less serotonin production. Low serotonin levels can affect your mood.

Shifting or Sensitive Teeth

After losing a tooth, the teeth surrounding the gap may shift. Your teeth can become crooked, affecting your appearance, bite, and speech.

You may experience tooth pain and sensitivity as your gums recede or thin. This sensitivity can increase when you consume something hot or cold.

Avoid Decay and Complications

A receding gum line can leave tooth roots exposed. This gives plaque and bacteria more places to hide. Plaque can affect the tooth root, release acid, and cause cavities to form. 

Cavities can further destroy the tooth. You may require a tooth extraction or root canal.

Gum disease is painful, causing symptoms like:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Tender, swollen, and red gums
• Foul-smelling breath that does not go away
• Sensitivity
• Pus between our teeth and gums
• Changes to your bite
• Gums that pull away from your teeth
• Pain when chewing

Protecting your gums and oral health can prevent these problems from developing later. You can avoid painful symptoms and the cost of expensive oral surgery. 

Can Gum Disease Kill You?

While having healthy gums is essential, can gum disease kill you? The short answer is yes.

When left untreated, the initial stage of gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can lead to endocarditis. Endocarditis is an infection or swelling of the heart's lining. If left untreated, bacteria will destroy the heart's valves, which can cause death.

An infection may enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk of sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when your immune system has an extreme response to an infection. Organ dysfunction can occur, leading to:

• Shock
• Organ failure
• Sometimes death

Sepsis is one of the most frequent causes of death worldwide. There were 48.9 million cases and 11 million sepsis-related deaths in a single year. This represents 20% of global deaths.

Gum disease can increase your risk of severe health conditions, including:

• Lung disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Heart disease

Periodontics Benefits

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, seek periodontal care immediately. Periodontics benefits include:

• Healthy gums
• Reduced risk of oral health issues
• Fresh breath
• Pain relief

Treatments

If your gums show signs of gingivitis and tartar buildup, your dentist may recommend debridement and second scaling. They will remove the tartar layer to restore your gum tissue's health. This procedure is usually performed between two appointments.

For patients with periodontitis, periodontal treatment often includes scaling and root planing. The procedure involves removing destructive tartar before bone destruction occurs.

Scaling and root planing are the most effective methods of treating gum disease. You may need to schedule multiple appointments for treatment. Follow-up maintenance every three months can keep the disease under control. 

Bone loss is sometimes inevitable if patients delay seeking treatment. These patients require antibiotic treatment.

Your dentist may place an antibiotic in deep pockets to stop the infection from spreading. This can help your gum tissue heal.

If your gum disease has progressed, your dentist may recommend periodontal surgery. Surgical options include:

• Flap surgery
• Bone grafts
• Gum graft surgery
• Dental crown lengthening

During flap surgery, a surgeon will lift your gums to remove plaque and tartar from deep pockets. Grafting is ideal if your teeth and jaw are too damaged to heal.

Your surgeon may recommend dental crown lengthening if you have excessive gum tissue. They will expose more of your teeth by reshaping your gum and bone tissue. 

If you develop gum disease, visit your dentist immediately. They can create a customized treatment plan based on your needs.

Oral Wellness Strategies

Reduce your risk of gum disease by using oral wellness strategies like:

• Visiting your dentist
• Not smoking
• Brushing twice a day
• Brushing using the proper technique
• Flossing daily
• Eating a healthy diet
• Reducing your sugar intake
• Using antiseptic mouthwash

Visit your dentist every six months. Routine dental cleanings and exams can reduce your risk of developing severe oral health conditions.

Your dentist may recognize signs of gingivitis in its initial stages. If so, you can begin immediate treatment before it progresses or causes complications. 

Regular appointments and other preventative dental care measures can save you money and stress later. Otherwise, you may require extensive treatments. If gum disease causes you to lose teeth, you may need dental implants or dentures.

Prioritize Gum Disease Prevention Today

To recap, can gum disease kill you? When left untreated, yes. Gum disease can cause life-threatening sepsis or increase your risk of other severe health conditions.

Do not neglect the importance of healthy gums. Instead, visit Waldron Smile Center to protect your gums and oral health. 

We approach dentistry with a comfort-first attitude. You can depend on us for high-quality treatment, state-of-the-art technology, and extraordinary care. Contact us now to schedule your next appointment.