During the Covid-19 pandemic, many people stopped going to the dentist and the problems are now starting to be seen. Gum disease gets worse when it is left untreated, as it is an inflammatory condition that can potentially lead to serious health issues such as heart attack and stroke. In fact, people with advanced gum disease, or periodontal disease, are at greater risk of Covid-19 complications and even death.
Unfortunately, almost half of adults older than 30 already experience gum disease while more than half of adults over 65 have advanced periodontal disease which often leads to tooth loss. If you are showing signs of gum disease, which includes bad breath, bleeding or loose teeth, your smile may be compromised.
The good news is, gum disease, when caught early, can be effectively treated and even reversed. It’s when it goes untreated that the gum infection travels through your bloodstream and impacts the rest of your body, especially your heart and lungs.
Of course, you’ll want to brush and floss daily to lower harmful plaque levels in your mouth, but you also need your professional dental cleanings where we use special instruments to get rid of hardened plaque or tartar buildup which can’t be removed at home. If you have gum disease, deep cleaning will be necessary. Once gum disease has progressed, you may end up requiring more invasive treatments like flap surgery or bone or tissue grafts. If you have lost teeth you will need a dental restoration like dental implants.
When it comes to your oral health, prevention is the least invasive and most economical form of treatment, and that means never skipping your dental cleaning appointments.
To learn more, you can read the full Wall Street Journal Article written by Laura Landro, “It Starts With Gum Disease. But It Can Lead to a Lot Worse.”