Of all the problems that can affect your teeth, it might seem like gum disease, is a small fry. Also known as gingivitis and periodontitis, gum disease actually affects about half of the adult population – even those who are meticulous about caring for their teeth. For such a seemingly small issue, it is far more prevalent than it should be. Here are some serious issues you can easily avoid by visiting Dr. Tom McCawley and Dr. Mark McCawley to treat your gum disease right away.
Tooth Decay
Gum disease is essentially the buildup of bacteria on your teeth that starts to break down the enamel and surrounding tissue. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to holes in your tooth enamel, also known as cavities. If the decay progresses far enough, you may require a root canal and crown to get your tooth healthy again. In extreme cases, advanced decay requires removal of the tooth entirely. You then get to explore options such as bridges, dental implants and dentures.
Long and Expensive Periodontal Visits
A routine visit to your periodontist should involve a check to see how your teeth are doing and a little bit of cleanup to clear out what your regular brushing and flossing has missed. If you let your gum disease hang around, it takes longer to get your teeth to a healthy, clean state again. The more time and the more procedures required to restore your teeth, the greater the cost is to your insurance and to you. In addition, longer cleanings and additional procedures take up more of your time.
Declined Bodily Health
When you leave your gum disease alone, the bacteria sits in your mouth. It does not stay there, however. It gets into other parts of your body, too. There are some strong cases involving gum disease and overall bodily health. You are taking better care of your health in general when you treat your gum disease. If you are ready to rid your mouth of this disease, call our office today and schedule a visit with our periodontists.
