There’s a fine line between missing a tooth as a child and being rewarded for it by the tooth fairy, and adult tooth loss that can lead to costly dental treatments. If the gap is in the front of your mouth, it can affect your appearance and self confidence as well. The main culprit for losing teeth leads straight to periodontal disease (or gum disease).
Periodontal disease, or periodontitis, is when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, creating pockets where additional bacteria can build up and cause an infection. Treatment for periodontal disease depends on the severity of your compromised gums. Once the infection gets beneath your gum line, periodontitis can cause tooth loss and destroy tissues, ligaments, and bones in the mouth.
The best way to avoid the consequences of painful gums and possible tooth loss is focusing on preventative health and oral hygiene. These preventative measures include:
Plaque is a naturally occurring substance in the mouth, so it can’t be completely prevented. It is, however, possible to reduce the presence of this gum destroyer with proper oral hygiene on a regular basis.
While periodontal disease is the primary reason people over the age of 35 lose their teeth, there are other common sources of tooth loss that can contribute to gaps in the mouth. These include:
Many of the connections between tooth loss and your health can be traced to inefficient oral hygiene, which can cause more problems than simply a cavity or bad breath. By following Dr. Major’s protocol after a visit to our office in Bryan, TX, the onset of periodontal disease is likely to stay away.