The most common cause of tooth loss is gum disease, not decay. It may be unnoticeable right up to the point of losing your teeth. Symptoms are bleeding gums from brushing and flossing, and loose or shifting teeth. If treated in the early stages, the infection can be controlled and reversed with nonsurgical methods.
Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and Even Stroke
Medical research has reported an astounding discovery: gum disease and serious health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease are linked. With 8 out of 10 adults having some stage of gum disease, dentists consider this problem to be an epidemic. It has a more far-reaching effect than losing your teeth. The bacteria from the gums travel in the bloodstream, affecting major organs and their state of health.
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.”
Now
the Good NewsPeriodontal (gum) disease can successfully be controlled with nonsurgical methods if treated in the early stages. Once it is advanced, surgery is necessary. Both procedures are generally covered by most dental insurance plans.
What’s So Bad about Losing a Tooth?
Teeth can be lost because of trauma or injury, but the main reasons are gum disease or decay. Losing even one tooth can cause other teeth to shift – which is a bigger deal than it might seem. Missing teeth do not allow proper chewing, resulting in obtaining fewer nutrients than you should. You may favor softer foods because they are easier to chew. These foods are not as nutritious and may have a higher calorie content, which results in weight gain. Speech may not be as clear as with a full set of teeth. Your facial appearance may change to a “sunken” look. The best way to treat missing teeth is with dental implants. They look so natural and function so completely, they seem as if they are your real teeth.
Family Dental of Spokane Valley
Craig Ellsworth, DDS
826 North Mullan Road, Suite C
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
(509) 924-1580
FamilyDentalOfSpokaneValley.com
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