About Tooth Loss & Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease can pose a real threat to your gums and teeth, causing tooth loss and even loss of the bone in the jaw. Some people are more likely to develop periodontal disease than others, and you should know about your risk factors. But whatever your risks, brushing and flossing can help fight periodontal disease.

Identification

Periodontal disease is another name for gum disease. Gums can be inflamed (gingivitis), and if the gum disease progresses, it becomes periodontitis, which is when the gums pull away from the teeth, allowing bacteria to eat away at tooth roots.

Causes

The human mouth is full of bacteria that wear away at the teeth and gums. If the bacteria isn't removed often enough by brushing or flossing, it forms a soft plaque on the teeth, which eventually hardens into the tartar that has to be removed from the teeth by a dentist.

Risk Factors

Risk factors that increase the probability of developing severe gum disease include smoking or other tobacco use, menopause, diabetes, stress and lack of saliva production. Some people have a genetic susceptibility to gum disease.

Prevention

If you have severe periodontal disease, medications can be used to ease infection to prevent tooth loss. Deep cleaning and surgeries that clean out the infected area can also help, as can bone grafts.

Loss

In severe cases, teeth may need to be removed completely, as well as areas of the jaw.

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