When it comes to keeping your teeth healthy and strong, taking care of your gums is just as important. Many people don’t realize that periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
Understanding this connection can help you take action early and avoid serious dental problems. Let’s dive into how periodontal disease leads to tooth loss — and how periodontal disease treatment can help.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
An infection of the tissues holding your teeth in place is periodontal disease. It usually starts with gum inflammation, called gingivitis. If not treated, it can progress into periodontitis, where the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets collect food and bacteria, causing further infection.
Over time, as the disease worsens, the bones, gums, and tissues that support the teeth are destroyed. Without support, teeth can become loose and eventually fall out or need to be removed.
How It Leads To Tooth Loss
At the early stage (gingivitis), the symptoms might be mild — slight redness, swelling, or bleeding when brushing. But when gum disease progresses to periodontitis, the real danger begins.
Here’s what happens:
- Gum Recession: As gums pull away from the teeth, more of the tooth and its roots are exposed, making teeth unstable.
- Bone Loss: The infection attacks the jawbone that anchors your teeth, leading to bone deterioration.
- Loose Teeth: Without the necessary gum and bone support, teeth can loosen and even fall out.
Without Periodontal Disease Treatment in Peachtree Corners, this process continues, leading to significant tooth loss over time.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 47% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease.
This number increases with age, making regular dental checkups and early treatment even more important.
Early Signs You Should Never Ignore
Periodontal disease doesn’t happen overnight. Paying attention to the early signs can save your smile:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums.
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing.
- Persistent bad breath.
- Receding gums.
- Loose or shifting teeth.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek Periodontal disease treatment right away.
How Does A Periodontal Disease Treatment Can Save Your Teeth?
The good news is that periodontal disease is treatable — especially when caught early! Treatments may include:
- Professional Cleaning: Removing plaque and tartar through deep cleaning (scaling and root planing).
- Medications: Antibiotics or medicated mouthwashes to control infection.
- Surgery: In advanced cases, procedures like flap surgery or bone grafts may be necessary.
Communicating clearly with a dentist and following a proper care plan can halt the disease’s progression and protect your teeth.
Tips To Protect Your Smile
Along with professional care, here’s how you can keep your gums healthy every day:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush to manage good oral hygiene.
- Floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth.
- Visit our dentist on time for cleanings and checkups.
- Avoid smoking, which increases the risk of gum disease.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
Prevention is the best way to avoid the serious consequences of gum disease!
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Periodontal disease is more common than you might think — but it’s also preventable and treatable with the right care. Tooth loss doesn’t have to be part of your future if you act early. By recognizing the signs and seeking a periodontal disease treatment at the first hint of trouble, you can protect your gums, your teeth, and your overall health for years. So, book your dental appointment today!