The main reason teeth are lost is from chronic or advanced gum disease. Infected gums do not always have symptoms in the beginning stages. But signs to watch for are loose teeth or bleeding gums during daily cleaning. If treated in the early stages, treatment can be nonsurgical. Once the problem is severe, surgery is usually the necessary procedure.
Easier Treatment for Gum Infection
We let our patients know about the signs of gum disease and the importance of treatment when it is still in the beginning stages. Before the infection has spread or is prolonged, nonsurgical treatments work well when combined with better daily care. If you wait until the infection is severe, surgery may be your only option. Both methods are generally covered by dental insurance plans.
Gum Disease Linked to Serious Health Conditions
New medical research has shown that gum disease can pose a more serious problem to your health than just losing your teeth. A link has been established between gum infection and life-threatening conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. What's worse, the American Dental Association has estimated that 80% of Americans have gum disease. Dentists now regard this problem as epidemic level.
The American Academy of Periodontology reports that "studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases." Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums. These bacteria travel into the bloodstream, having a harmful effect on vital organs.
Even One Missing Tooth Can Cause Problems
No, you can't die from losing a tooth, or even two or three. But missing teeth cause other problems. To start with, your chewing will not be as productive as with a full set of teeth. You will not obtain as many nutrients from your food when chewed. If it becomes too difficult to eat more nutritious foods, you may start to choose high-carbohydrate foods that are softer and easier to eat and may result in weight gain. Speech can change and could even cause embarrassment. Your face can appear sunken, which makes you look older than your age. Lakeland Family Dentistry
2475 Lakeland Drive, Suite G
Flowood, MS 39232
(601) 981-4746
Lakeland-Family-Dentistry.com
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