Gum Disease and Tooth Loss

Do you have puffy, red or bleeding gums? This may your first warning sign to the number one cause of tooth loss. Inflamed gums are known as gingivitis. If left untreated, the destructive bacteria and plaque build up of gingivitis will advance to gum disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, as it is marked by a loss in gum tissue that creates tooth instability.

While patients can often the reverse the signs of gingivitis, following diligent oral hygiene efforts and attending their six-month cleanings, gum disease always requires professional help. Gum disease means that the areas of infection have reached depths that your toothbrush and floss can no longer reach. In order to properly clean deep pockets of infected gum tissue, where harmful bacteria, debris and plaque build-up reside, you need a professional gum disease treatment. Your dentist can offer advanced technology using ultrasonic scaling to painlessly and effectively clean your diseased gums. This is a critical step to restoring your gum health because it allows your gum tissues the chance to reattach to your teeth, thus saving your teeth from becoming loose and eventually falling out.

Without gum disease treatment, both your smile and overall health are at risk. Gum disease has been linked to systemic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Beyond disciplined brushing and flossing, your job is to notice the warning signs of gum disease before it is too late. Symptoms of gum disease include the following:

• bleeding gums
• recession
• tooth sensitivity
• bad breath
• heavy tartar buildup
• food packing between teeth
• tooth mobility

Choosing to address the symptoms of gum disease can save your teeth from falling out. However, if you have previously lost one or more teeth due to gum disease or other factors, you can rest assured that there is an excellent solution available to you through implant dentistry. A dental implant is the only way to replace both a missing tooth and its tooth root. Dr. Wayne Suway is a highly esteemed implants dentist who understands the causes of tooth loss and what it takes to restore your smile best.