Your Shoreline periodontist in Norwich, CT, probably often advises you to brush and floss your teeth twice a day to stave off gum disease. While it seems harmless at a glance, gum disease, also sometimes known as periodontitis, affects about half of the adult population in the U.S. Seeing your periodontist regularly is important to fight off this disease. Consider these three dangers of letting periodontitis linger in your mouth.
- It Does Not Go Away on Its Own
Once you have gum disease, you need to get treatment from a professional like Dr. Gregory A. Toback in New London, CT. This is because there is no medication you can take to fully get rid of periodontitis. The only treatment is thorough cleaning and good oral hygiene habits. It takes time to get rid of the symptoms, so the sooner you get in, the better.
- It Will Keep Getting Worse
If you decide the periodontitis is not that bad at the moment, keep in mind that it only gets worse over time. You can slow down its progression with thorough brushing and flossing every day, but the damage will still accumulate.
- Treatment May Be More Extensive the Longer You Wait
Gum disease includes the buildup of bacteria on your teeth and gums. This erodes your gum line and your tooth enamel. In addition, you are constantly swallowing these bacteria, which can travel to other parts of your body. This can put at a higher risk for other health problems. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to need complex treatment – such as gum surgery, fillings, root canals, or even a tooth extraction.
Schedule a Treatment Today
Dr. Toback offers many treatment options to account for the many different causes of periodontitis. Our office can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. To schedule an exam today, contact our office right away.
