This article takes a look at periodontal (gum) disease and the various consequences of allowing this oral condition to go without treatment.

Periodontal disease is pervasive health issue in the United States. And yet, one might say with confidence that few people even know what periodontal disease is. The Colorado Springs dentist in Pueblo will tell you that this oral affliction is characterized as an acute and chronic bacterial infection of the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. But perhaps the words ‘gingivitis’ and ‘gum disease’ might sound more familiar to you. Break it down and it’s easy to understand what the seemingly complicated terminology means, explains the Colorado Springs dentist in Pueblo:

– Peri means ‘around’

– dont means ‘teeth,’ and

– -itis is the medical suffix indicating infection.

So, altogether, periodontitis indicates an infection of the soft tissues, or gums, surrounding the teeth. Left untreated, as it so often is, this acute bacterial infection causes a whole host of terrible symptoms, including chronic bad breath, inflammation and swelling of the gums and eventual tooth loss. Put this way, periodontal disease doesn’t exactly sound like a condition you could have without knowing it. But many of the patients the Colorado Springs dentist Pueblo sees and treats have allowed their oral health to deteriorate to such an extent that they’ve begun to lose teeth.

The Importance of Regular Appointments with the Colorado Springs Dentist

The problem with oral bacterial infection, explains the Colorado Springs dentist in Pueblo, is that it frequently doesn’t cause any pain in its initial stages. And if there’s one thing that will compel a patient to seek treatment, it’s pain! One can quite easily ignore and even get used to the appearance of gum inflammation and swelling. In fact, few people recognize the early signs of bacterial infection of the gums, says the Colorado Springs dentist. This highlights the importance of regular appointments, even if you don’t think there’s anything wrong with your teeth or gums.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Understanding the Consequences

Leaving infection of the gums to go without treatment allows bacteria the opportunity to migrate deep down into the gingival sulci, the natural grooves and creases in the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. Deep pockets of toxin (bacterial waste) then begin to accumulate between the tooth roots and the gum wall, compromising the health of the entire tooth. At this juncture, says the Colorado Springs dentist in Pueblo, invasive surgical procedures become necessary in order to eliminate the bacterial infection that has penetrated deep down into the gums.

The symptoms of untreated gum disease may be easy enough for you to ignore, says the Colorado Springs dentist, but they won’t be easy for your friends and family to turn a blind eye to! Chronic bad breath and tooth discoloration is one thing, but seeing pus visibly ooze from gums that have become devastatingly inflamed and swollen with infection… well, it won’t make you very popular! This may sound like hyperbole intended to shock, but it is the reality of allowing oral bacterial infection to go without treatment, explains the Colorado Springs dentist in Pueblo.

A Final Note from the Colorado Springs Dentist

Protecting the health of your teeth and gums requires that you brush and floss regularly and thoroughly and go to your Colorado Springs dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. Habits such as smoking and heavy drinking can also cause gum disease, so dump the cigarettes and be a little less heavy-handed with the spirits!