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What Hap­pens If Gum Dis­ease Is Left Untreated?

Gum dis­ease is one of the most com­mon oral health con­di­tions affect­ing adults in the UK. It’s also very treat­able, but it’s impor­tant to catch it ear­ly before the dam­age to your gums becomes more exten­sive. Over time, the con­di­tion will no longer be reversible, and it could lead to per­ma­nent dam­age to your gums and teeth.


To help you take better care of your teeth at home, we’re going to share some essential insight into gum disease. We’ll cover the causes, early signs, and what might happen if you leave it untreated. Armed with this information, you’ll be able to make smarter choices to care for your oral health and whether you need gum disease treatment.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the gums. It is caused by a build up of bacteria in the mouth, which is often a result of poor oral care routines, although it can be caused by other conditions, including lifestyle habits, medications and genetics.

If you have plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, you’ll be at increased risk of gum disease, as these provide the ideal place for bacteria to multiply. This leads to inflammation in the gums, as the tissue becomes irritated by the toxins and enzymes released.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is commonly caused by poor oral care routines, but there are other factors that might contribute.

  • Lifestyle choices like smoking can lead to dry mouth, which means you have less saliva in your mouth. Saliva is essential for neutralising acids and cleaning bacteria from your mouth, so your oral health will be at risk without it.

  • Certain medications can lead to dry mouth, which increases your risk of developing gum disease.

  • Health conditions that impact wound healing can also increase the risk of gum disease. This includes conditions like diabetes and HIV.

  • Genetics can also play a role in gum disease, and some people are just more likely to develop issues due to a more aggressive immune response to bacteria in the mouth.

Common signs of gum disease

Early intervention is one of the best ways to manage this condition, so learning to spot the signs can be incredibly helpful.

Bleeding gums are often the first sign of gum disease, and you might notice this when you brush or floss your teeth. Your gums might also appear to be red, inflamed or sore when you brush.

Over time, the gums will start to recede, which means they shrink and expose more of the tooth root. This can also lead to pockets appearing between your teeth, which can make the condition worse.

Gum disease will often lead to persistent bad breath, even after brushing. So if you have a bad taste in your mouth or if your breath often smells bad, this would be worth exploring with your dentist.

What happens if gum disease is left untreated?

Gum disease is an aggressive condition that will attack the supporting structures holding your teeth in place. Over time, your gums will shrink (also known as receding) and this can cause your teeth to become loose and fall out.

Gum disease that is caused by poor oral hygiene is also likely to lead to tooth decay, which can further accelerate the rate of tooth loss. The gums will also be very sore and tender, which can make it even more difficult to brush and floss effectively.

By catching gum disease at the earlier stages, we can take action to remove plaque and tartar build up from the teeth. With regular dental hygiene cleanings, you can enjoy cleaner teeth, fresh breath and a more confident smile.