Gum Health

The Primary Cause of Lost Teeth

Are you currently affected by gum disease? It’s the primary cause for tooth loss in America. Regrettably, you may not realize that you’re afflicted until after your teeth are irreparably damaged. Not sure if your teeth are in harm’s way? Symptoms include bleeding gums when you brush or floss, and loose or shifting teeth. Even if you’ve been notified that you require gum surgery, we can help. Modern dental procedures have made it possible to control gum disease with a multitude of non-surgical methods.

Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and Even Stroke

Medical research has indicated that gum disease contributes to the risk of stroke, heart disease, and many other serious illnesses. The American Dental Association estimates that 8 out of 10 Americans have periodontal (gum) disease. Percentages this high should require gum disease to be managed at a national level as an epidemic. But because tooth loss has been downgraded to being merely unpleasant, not immediately life-threatening, the severity of the disease has been discounted for too long. However, things are changing.

The American Academy of Periodontology has provided the following statement: “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.” We must accept that the bacteria that wipes out your teeth and gums when you have gum disease can infiltrate your other soft tissues, cross into your bloodstream, and create problems in your heart, lungs, and other vital organs.

There Is Hope

The threat of gum disease is being recognized, and most dental insurance plans offer coverage for treatment. While in some severe cases surgery is the only reasonable form of treatment, there are now powerful NON-surgical options that, combined with improved dental hygiene, can virtually halt the spread of the disease.

What’s So Bad About Losing a Tooth?

Regardless of what caused you to lose a tooth – gum disease, decay, accident or other trauma, you should recognize that without a replacement you may soon experience a multitude of other issues, some quite severe. The removal of even one tooth can cause your other teeth to change position and alter the way you gain nutrients from your food because of chewing difficulties. You may see an increase or decrease in your weight, develop a sunken or wrinkled facial appearance, or even experience an unwanted change in your speech patterns. Dr. Gravino offers dental implant restorations. This remedy, in many cases, can replace one, several, or even all your missing teeth. Made to blend with your remaining teeth, they look so natural that at first glance even a dentist will have difficulty seeing the difference.