What can untreated advanced gum disease lead to?

Untreated advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can lead to significant issues such as tooth mobility and loss. This condition occurs when the gums become inflamed and infected, often resulting in the destruction of the supporting bone structures of the teeth. As the condition progresses, the attachment of the gums to the teeth is compromised, leading to increased mobility of the teeth. Eventually, this can cause the teeth to become so loose that they may fall out or require extraction.

The other options presented do not accurately reflect the consequences of untreated advanced gum disease. Improved gum health, for instance, would not occur if the disease is left untreated. Instead, one would expect a deterioration in gum health. An increase in tooth enamel is also not a realistic outcome of gum disease; enamel loss tends to be more common in cases of decay or erosion, rather than gum disease. Lastly, untreated gum disease may actually contribute to an increase in cavities, rather than a reduction, due to the compromised state of the gums and environment conducive to further dental problems.