Gum Disease and the Risk of Tooth Loss
Gum disease is a progressive condition that causes inflammation in the gums. Gum/periodontal disease is a serious oral health problem that affects more than just the soft tissues of the mouth. Gum disease is linked to many other dental complications, including tooth loss.
Knowing how gum disease increases the risk of tooth loss is important so you understand how best to preserve dental health. Here, dentists at Brooklyn Heights Dental explain how gum disease threatens the teeth and what we can do to help our Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, and Fort Greene, patients restore oral health and prevent tooth loss.
Gum Disease Symptoms
Healthy gums are pink in appearance. They sit snugly around the teeth and act as a strong foundation for the smile. If bacteria works its way into gum tissues, it can result in infection, more commonly known as gum disease.
Gum disease can cause a variety of symptoms, and individuals may experience more advanced symptoms as the disease progresses. Potential gum disease symptoms include:
- Bright red, dark red, or purple appearance to gum tissues
- Gum sensitivity
- Bleeding gum tissues
- Pus between the teeth or gums
- Pain when chewing
- Halitosis (persistent bad breath)
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
How Does Gum Disease Affect Dental Health and the Risk of Tooth Loss?
The gums and the jawbone act together to create a strong foundation for the teeth, so any condition that compromises gum health can impact dental health. Untreated gum disease leads to gum recession. When one experiences gum recession, the gum tissues will pull up and away from the teeth. As gum tissues recede, the teeth become loose, making tooth loss a concern.
Gum disease further increases the risk of tooth loss by weakening jawbone tissues. Gum recession creates gaps between the teeth and gums. The gaps, known as periodontal pockets, can collect bacteria and lead to plaque and tartar buildup. If not treated, an infection can develop in the jawbone and lead to bone loss, which makes tooth loss more likely.
Gum Disease Treatment to Prevent Tooth Loss
Gum disease increases the risk of tooth loss, but people can restore oral health and prevent tooth loss by undergoing gum disease treatment. At Brooklyn Heights Dental, we offer comprehensive periodontal care. We can treat all degrees of gum disease, from early stages of gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. Our treatments utilize advanced technology and materials to make the procedure safe, comfortable, and effective for our patients.
Gum disease treatment cleans the gums to eliminate bacteria and rid tissues of infection. The treatments promote tissue growth to address gum recession and restore a strong, healthy foundation for the teeth.
Tooth Loss Treatment
Should gum disease causes tooth loss, we offer several restorative dentistry options. Missing teeth treatments such as dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants replace missing teeth to restore oral strength, functions, and aesthetics.
Contact Brooklyn Heights Dental
If you are suffering from gum disease and are concerned about tooth loss, dentists at Brooklyn Heights Dental offer periodontal treatment to preserve oral and dental health. To receive a customized treatment plan, send a message to our dental practice at your earliest convenience.
