5 Negative Effects of Gum Disease on Your Oral Cavity

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Gum disease is a condition that occurs when the bacteria in your mouth multiply and cause gum inflammation. Many people think that gum disease is not a serious condition and can be easily treated at home. But the reality is that most of them notice the symptoms of gum disease when the condition becomes advanced. 

It is extremely important to visit your dentist on a regular basis. A professional dentist can recognize the early signs of gum disease and perform the accurate treatment. If left untreated, gum disease can cause quite unpleasant complications. In this article, we have gathered five negative effects of gum disease on your oral cavity.

1. Bad breath

Bad breath (halitosis) tends to be one of the most common symptoms of many oral issues. Even though halitosis can occur because of various factors (digestive issues, the consumption of smelly foods, etc.) poor oral hygiene and oral conditions can also cause this symptom. 

The point is that bad breath often occurs if you have inflamed gums. The bacteria that cause gum disease can change the odor of your oral cavity. If you want to prevent the development of gum disease and bad breath, it is essential to maintain proper oral hygiene.

2. Bleeding and swollen gums

If you have noticed that your gums are bleeding during tooth brushing, it's high time to make an appointment with your dental specialist. You should understand that healthy gums shouldn't bleed and this symptom can manifest the development of gum disease. 

Gingivitis (the initial stage of gum disease) usually causes gum swelling, redness, tenderness, and bleeding. It is extremely important to undergo timely and proper treatment to not let gingivitis turn into periodontitis.

3. Gum pockets

Gum pockets occur when the gums detach from the teeth. As a result, bacteria, dental plaque, and food particles tend to accumulate in these pockets that can aggravate your condition. The depths of gum pockets increase with the progression of gum disease.

If you have gum pockets, you need to visit a dentist as soon as possible. The larger pockets you have, the bigger amount of plaque and food can remain in your mouth. Additionally, it is quite difficult to clean them thoroughly. Due to the fact that gum pockets expose the roots of the tooth, you can experience increased teeth sensitivity.

4. Loose teeth 

When your gums develop pockets, the roots of your teeth can lose the necessary support. As a result, they can become loose. Pocket reduction as well as scaling and root planing can help shrink gum pockets and fix your teeth in their places.

Loose teeth can make it difficult to eat and even speak since every touch can cause the movement of the tooth. Without timely and proper treatment, your gums can recede more and your teeth may fall off over time.

5. Teeth loss

Teeth loss is an extremely severe complication of gum disease. If you have lost a tooth, it is essential to replace it with a dental implant as soon as possible. Otherwise, you can get crooked teeth (since the neighboring teeth move to fill a gap), facial asymmetry, and difficulties with eating and speaking.

If you have lost a jaw bone as well or didn't replace the missing tooth in time, you may need to undergo bone grafting for dental implants. This procedure can help secure a post and install a dental implant.

The bottom line

If you want to avoid the aforementioned complications, you need to pay sufficient attention to the condition of your oral cavity. Proper oral hygiene, sufficient hydration, healthy foods, and regular dental check-ups can help you prevent the development of many oral issues including gum disease.