Preventive Dentistry

Gum Disease and Lost Teeth
The general assumption among people is that most tooth loss is from decay. But it is actually due to gum disease, which can go unnoticed right up to the point of losing your teeth. Symptoms are bleeding gums while brushing or flossing and shifting or loose teeth. If gum disease is controlled before it reaches an advanced level, there are various nonsurgical methods that can reverse the problem.

Gum Disease Can Have Even More Serious Consequences

The American Dental Association has estimated that 80% of the American population has periodontal (gum) disease at some stage. Medical research has now concluded that gum disease and serious health conditions like stroke, diabetes, and heart disease are linked. With these two statistics, dentists are now considering gum disease to be a health epidemic. Having advanced gum infections put patients at risk more serious than just losing their teeth.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums. This bacteria travels through the bloodstream to all the vital organs. The American Academy of Periodontology reports, "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." 

Gum Disease Can Be Successfully Treated!
Once gum infection is advanced, the solution is surgery. It is mostly successful in combating the problem. In less severe cases, there are various nonsurgical procedures. With improved daily dental hygiene, the infection can be stopped. Both surgical and nonsurgical procedures are often covered by dental insurance plans.

Why Lost Teeth are a Serious Matter
Most people seem to think losing a tooth is no big deal. Is that the case? It is not good because other problems will result from even one missing tooth. Your chewing can become more difficult, so softer, higher-calorie foods are eaten, which can result in weight gain. Chewing is not as functional as it should be without a full set of teeth, which may mean obtaining fewer nutrients from food. Your face shape eventually changes, taking on a hollowed look in the cheeks without full dental arches to support them. Your speech may not be as clear or easy to understand as it should.
We recommend replacement of any missing teeth with implants. They function just like your own teeth and look so natural, it's hard to tell they are not your natural teeth.

Carmi Family Dental
Dr. Timothy Roser, DMD
1000 West Main Street
Carmi, IL 62821
(618) 382-8300
CarmiFamilyDental.com