When many people think about tooth loss, they think of stories in which people lose teeth in sports accident, or a fall. In reality, however, tooth loss is usually caused by chronic oral infections.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults, and our Saint Louis dentists are here to tell you why.
Your gum tissue, and the other oral tissues that bolster your dental structure, are truly the foundational pieces of your smile. When these parts of your smile a compromised, your teeth are going to suffer.
Periodontal disease, which is an infection of your gum/oral tissues, causes inflammation of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Over time this will cause your teeth to actually loosen, and then fall out.
The problem with periodontal disease is that, once it takes root, you have to stay diligent in fighting it. It is not just something that goes away on its own.
It is ideal to catch periodontal disease in its earliest stages, when it is easiest to treat. Monitor your own oral health between professional dental appointments, and keep your eyes open for signs of gum disease, like:
· Chronic, hard to treat bad breath
· A sticky, gritty film of your teeth
· Bleeding gums
· Sore, red, or swollen oral tissues (healthy tissue is usually a pale pink)
· Gum tissue that seems to be pulling away from the teeth
With proper, and timely, intervention, you can stop gum disease in its tracks and reclaim your oral health. Remember, that your dentist is partner in dental care—he or she can give you all of the information that you need to optimize your oral health.
As always, you can contact our friendly Saint Louis dentist office when you are ready to get started protecting your smile!