ADA Accessibility Information
Accessibility

A
A

A
Home Blog Gum Disease and Tooth Loss

Gum Disease and Tooth Loss


Posted on 8/15/2024 by Gwinnett Dental Implant & Periodontal Center
a 3d rendering of the stages of gum diseaseGum disease is a very common problem affecting nearly half of all adults. The bacteria that cause gum disease destroy the tissues and bone holding the teeth in place, making it the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Gum Disease Basics


Gum disease starts when plaque bacteria infect your gums. Your immune system responds by inflaming the gums to fight the bacteria. The earliest stage is gingivitis, where gums become red, swollen, and bleed when brushing. This stage of gingivitis is reversible and your last chance to stop the progression of the bacteria and tissue breakdown. Without treatment, plaque spreads down tooth roots and eats away the tissues and bone holding the teeth to the jaw. This advanced stage is periodontitis. Inflammation worsens, creating deep pockets around teeth.

How Gum Disease Loosens Teeth


As periodontitis spreads, it destroys the ligaments and bone that anchor the teeth firmly into the jaw. The pockets allow more bacteria to grow, accelerating damage. When anchoring tissues and bone are destroyed, teeth become loose, unstable, and prone to falling out. Tooth loss occurs in the late stages of gum disease.

Risk Factors for Progression


Factors putting you at higher risk for worsening gum disease and tooth loss include: Poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, medications that cause dry mouth, teeth clenching and grinding, and genetic susceptibility. The more risk factors present, the faster gum disease can progress if untreated.

Protect Your Smile


It is key to catch gum disease early and halt its progression. Be sure to brush and floss thoroughly every day and get professional cleanings every six months. Quitting smoking and managing illnesses like diabetes help minimize inflammation, as these typically drive tissue damage.

Do not wait for tooth loss to take action. Contact us when you notice irritated gums so inflammation can be controlled. With prompt treatment, gum disease can often be reversed.

Gwinnett Dental Implant & Periodontal Center


Dr. Melody J. Schiffer
Dr. Gary Greenwald
Dr. Andrew Kurialacherry
Dr. Nisha Kancherla



(470) 222-8983

320 Killian Hill Road NW
Lilburn, GA 30047-3809


Request An Appointment

Contact us

Online Bill Pay
Copyright © 2019-2024 Gwinnett Dental Implant & Periodontal Center and WEO Media (Touchpoint Communications LLC). All rights reserved.  Sitemap
Gwinnett Dental Implant & Periodontal Center, 320 Killian Hill Road NW, Lilburn, GA 30047 + (470) 222-8983 + gwinnettdentalimplantcenter.com + 12/12/2024 + Page Keywords: dental implants Lilburn +