What Happens If You Don’t Treat Gingivitis?
- Progression to Periodontitis: Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Tooth Mobility and Loss: As gum disease progresses, it can cause your teeth to loosen and even fall out due to bone loss around the roots.
Source: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) - Gum Recession: Gums can pull away from the teeth, exposing roots and increasing sensitivity and decay risk.
Source: American Dental Association (ADA) - Chronic Bad Breath: Persistent halitosis is a common side effect of plaque buildup and infection in the gums.
Source: Cleveland Clinic - Increased Risk of Heart Disease: Research shows a link between gum disease and cardiovascular problems, including increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Source: American Heart Association (AHA) - Complications with Diabetes: Gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar and increase the risk of diabetic complications.
Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Pregnancy Complications: Poor gum health is linked to preterm birth and low birth weight.
Source: March of Dimes
How Regular Dental Visits Help
Routine dental cleanings and check-ups help remove plaque, detect early signs of gum disease, and prevent these serious complications before they start. Prevention truly is the best medicine—especially when it comes to your gums.