What happens if gum disease goes untreated? It can lead to tooth loss, serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes, and expensive treatments.
Think gum disease only affects your smile? The reality is far more serious. Untreated periodontal disease doesn’t just threaten your teeth—it can impact your overall health and wallet. If you live in Oklahoma City, Norman, or Moore, OKC Smiles wants you to understand the real consequences of ignoring gum disease and how early intervention can save you from unnecessary pain and expenses.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It starts with plaque buildup along the gumline, which hardens into tartar if not removed. Bacteria in this tartar cause inflammation, leading to gingivitis. Without treatment, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, where the infection damages the bone and connective tissue holding your teeth in place. Poor dental hygiene, smoking, genetics, and certain medical conditions increase your risk of developing gum disease.
Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Early detection is critical, but many people dismiss the warning signs. Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing might seem minor, but it’s often the first indication of trouble. Persistent bad breath or a metallic taste in your mouth can signal bacterial growth below the gumline. As the disease advances, you may notice swollen or receding gums, teeth that feel loose, or changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite. These symptoms deserve immediate attention from a dental professional.
The True Cost of Untreated Gum Disease
Ignoring gum disease leads to devastating consequences. As the infection spreads, it destroys the bone supporting your teeth, causing tooth loss. The jawbone begins to deteriorate, changing your facial structure and making it harder to eat or speak comfortably. Research has also linked gum disease to serious systemic health problems. The bacteria from infected gums can enter your bloodstream, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and complications with diabetes. Pregnant women with gum disease face higher risks of preterm birth and low birth weight babies. Financially, advanced gum disease requires costly treatments like bone grafts, dental implants, or dentures—expenses that could have been avoided with early care.
How OKC Smiles Treats Gum Disease
At OKC Smiles, we offer comprehensive treatment options tailored to your needs. For early-stage gum disease, non-surgical procedures like scaling and root planing can remove tartar and bacteria from below the gumline, allowing your gums to heal. Our team serves patients throughout Oklahoma City, Norman, and Moore with personalized care plans that address your specific condition. If you’ve already experienced tooth loss due to advanced gum disease, we provide restorative solutions, including high-quality dentures and dental implants, to restore your smile’s function and appearance.
Prevention is Key: Tips to Protect Your Smile
Preventing gum disease starts with consistent daily habits. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque before it hardens. Avoid tobacco products, which significantly increase your risk of periodontal disease. Most importantly, schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings at OKC Smiles. Professional cleanings remove tartar that brushing alone can’t eliminate, and routine exams allow us to catch gum disease in its earliest, most treatable stages. Early intervention not only protects your oral health but also saves you time, discomfort, and money.
Protect Your Smile and Your Health
Don’t let gum disease silently damage your teeth and overall well-being. The consequences of waiting are too serious to ignore. Schedule a consultation with OKC Smiles today to assess your gum health and learn about prevention strategies that work. Whether you’re in Oklahoma City, Norman, or Moore, our team is ready to help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come. Your oral health affects your entire body—take action now to protect both.
Contact OKC Smiles:
405-634-7303
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
13900 S Western, Suite 300
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
73170