Gingivitis: What Happens if It's Left Untreated?

Actual information

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of plaque and bacteria. It's one of the most common oral diseases and can occur without obvious symptoms. Many people ignore the early signs of gingivitis, believing that redness or slight bleeding of the gums isn't dangerous. However, without treatment, gingivitis can have serious consequences not only for the teeth but for the entire body. In this article, we discuss what happens if gingivitis is left untreated and the complications that can arise from long-term gingivitis.

1. Increased inflammation and development of periodontitis

In the early stages, gingivitis manifests as reddening of the gums, bleeding, and bad breath. If left untreated, the inflammation progresses and destroys the tissue that supports the teeth. The next stage is periodontitis. This is a more serious condition in which the gums recede and pockets filled with bacteria and pus form. The inflammation spreads to the bone tissue, leading to loosening and tooth loss.

2. Bleeding and sore gums

Bleeding is one of the first symptoms of gingivitis, but it becomes more severe over time. Even a light touch with a toothbrush can cause significant bleeding. This leads to constant discomfort when eating and brushing, which can lead to neglect of oral hygiene. Moreover, inflamed gums become painful and sensitive, especially when eating hot, cold, or spicy foods.

3. Bad breath

The bacteria that cause gingivitis produce toxic waste products that lead to chronic bad breath (halitosis). This is not only a social problem but also a sign of an active inflammatory process. Regular chewing gum, mouthwash, and mints mask the odor but don't eliminate the cause.

4. Tartar formation

Without regular brushing, soft plaque hardens and turns into tartar. The tartar irritates the gums and promotes an even greater accumulation of bacteria, accelerating the development of inflammation. Unlike plaque, tartar can't be removed with a regular toothbrush. In this case, professional cleaning by a dentist is required.

5. Gum recession and exposed tooth roots

The gums begin to recede, exposing the tooth roots. This makes the teeth sensitive to cold, hot, and acidic foods, and the risk of root caries increases. Gum recession also impairs the aesthetics of the smile – teeth appear longer, and gaps appear between them.

6. Tooth mobility and loss

In the later stages of periodontitis, teeth begin to become loose due to the destruction of bone tissue. Over time, they may fall out even without external intervention. If teeth are lost, expensive dentures or implants may be necessary.

7. Effects on the general health of the body

Gingivitis is not just a local problem but an inflammatory disease that can affect the entire body. Studies show that chronic gingivitis is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation of the blood vessels and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Other issues associated with untreated gingivitis are:

- Diabetes mellitus: Gingivitis impairs insulin sensitivity and makes it difficult to control blood sugar levels.

- Respiratory diseases: Bacteria from the oral cavity can enter the lungs, causing pneumonia and exacerbating chronic respiratory diseases.

- Complications during pregnancy: Women with untreated periodontitis are at increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies.

8. Increased treatment costs

Early treatment of gingivitis is significantly cheaper than managing the consequences. If the disease is neglected, complex treatment is required, including professional dental cleaning, medication, surgery, and possibly implantation of missing teeth.

The bottom line

Gingivitis is not just a temporary inflammation of the gums but a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and a deterioration in overall health. Without timely treatment, the inflammation develops into periodontitis, which is accompanied by bone destruction and tooth loosening.

To avoid these consequences, it is important to pay attention to oral hygiene, visit the dentist regularly, and begin treatment at the first signs of inflammation. The sooner you act, the easier and more cost-effective it is to maintain healthy teeth and gums.