Would you like to spruce up your smile? Cosmetic dentistry can accomplish a lot, from fixing chips and cracks to whitening your teeth and beyond. However, purely aesthetic services will have to be put on hold if you have gum disease. In this blog post, you will learn why it is so important to have healthy gums before you move forward with any cosmetic procedures.
Untreated Gum Disease Can Wreck Your Smile and Your Oral Health
Gum disease is not just a minor inconvenience. Left untreated, it can have serious consequences for both your oral health and the appearance of your smile. For example, it can lead to:
- Red, swollen gums
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
- Persistent bad breath
Needless to say, cosmetic dentistry is pointless if you have gum disease because it can thoroughly destroy your smile’s beauty.
Plus, even more importantly, gum disease can seriously affect the way your mouth functions. You may find that eating becomes painful or difficult. The bacteria that cause gum disease could even get into your bloodstream and increase the risk of systemic conditions like heart attack and dementia!
Do You Need Gum Disease Treatment?
In its later stages, gum disease causes very obvious symptoms. However, many patients are surprised to get diagnosed with this condition when they visit their dentist in the hopes of receiving cosmetic services.
In its early stages, gum disease can be very subtle, marked by slight inflammation or redness of the gums. Bad breath and bleeding during brushing and flossing are also common. If you have any of these signs and symptoms, your dentist might determine that you have gum disease.
Fortunately, there are several effective ways to address gum disease. The most common is a deep dental cleaning, during which your dental team thoroughly cleans above and below your gumline with the goal of getting rid of harmful bacteria.
When Can You Get Cosmetic Services?
After you complete your gum disease treatment, you may still need to exercise patience before you get cosmetic services. Your dentist will want to make sure that your gums have healed and your condition is stable. If your gum disease was fairly mild, your waiting period might last a few weeks. For severe cases of gum disease, it might take several months before you are a suitable candidate for cosmetic procedures.
Gum disease treatment might slow down your path to your ideal look, but it could ultimately save your smile! Listen to your dentist’s recommendations so you can enjoy sound oral health and a more attractive appearance.
Meet the Practice
At Four Town Dental in Enfield, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including cosmetic treatments, gum disease therapy, preventive care, and more. Whether you are looking to enhance your smile or improve its health, we would be pleased to serve you. Contact our friendly staff at 860-856-6928.