When you find out you have a cold, you can usually allow it to run its course. The same holds true for other minor ailments. However, if you have been diagnosed with gum disease, you need to take action with the help of someone like Dr. Bill Akin, our periodontist in Nashville, TN. Why does gum disease require treatment instead of a “wait and see” approach? Consider these four truths about the condition.

1. Gum Disease Is a Chronic Infection
Sometimes, the body simply fights off infection. Yet, without professional treatment, your mouth cannot win the battle against the bacteria that cause gum disease. The infection will continue to destroy healthy soft and hard tissues unless bacteria are reduced and removed using comfortable, advanced methods like minimally invasive LANAP®.

2. Untreated Gum Disease Causes Irreparable Damage
Over time, gum disease that has never received proper periodontal care will cause tooth, gum and bone loss. People with untreated gum disease risk losing their teeth, as well as suffer significant bone reduction. As the gum disease spreads, every part of the mouth can become affected.

3. Gum Disease Can Be Managed If Caught Early
The faster a periodontist discovers gum disease, the better the chances of effectively managing this progressive condition. The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. At that point, the bacteria have not reached chronic levels. Even if the problem is not caught until later stages of periodontitis, it is still better to get a diagnosis than to let the infection continue.

4. Gum Disease Has Been Linked to Systemic Health Issues
Did you know that researchers have found associations between people who have gum disease and an increased ros for stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers? This means that taking care of the underlying problem can help you lessen the likelihood of having other health problems and protect your physical health as well as your oral health.

See a Periodontist for Exceptional Gum, Tooth, and Bone Care
Need help fighting gum disease in Nashville, TN? Contact periodontist Dr. Akin at Nashville Periodontal Group by scheduling an appointment online or calling (615) 800-3686 now.