Gum Disease: The Number One Reason for Tooth Loss
It is a general assumption among patients that most teeth are lost due to advanced decay. But the main cause is a bacterial infection of the gums called periodontitis. Sometimes no symptoms appear until the problem is severe. Bleeding gums from flossing or brushing, as well as loose teeth, are indications of this problem. When treatment occurs during the earlier stages of the infection, nonsurgical methods can be very successful in halting and reversing the infection. Otherwise, surgery may be the only option.
Gum Disease Has an Effect on Your Overall Health
Medical research has identified bacterial infection of the gums as a contributing factor to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The American Dental Association has estimated that over three-quarters of the adult population in the United States has gum disease at some level. With this alarming information, dentists now consider gum disease to be a more serious problem than losing your teeth. As the bacteria that form in the gums travels throughout the bloodstream, it has an effect on the functioning of vital organs.
The American Academy of Periodontology reports that “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.”
Easier Treatment for Gum Disease
At the first signs of inflamed or bleeding gums or loose teeth, please come into our office. Periodontitis can be treated successfully with nonsurgical means during the less severe stages. Once the infection is advanced, surgery may be the only option. Both types of treatments are generally covered by most insurance plans.
The Problem with Missing Teeth
You already know your smile is not as pleasing in appearance with missing teeth, but are you aware of the other issues that can occur?
Your chewing is not as efficient as it should be – so you may not absorb as many nutrients as you would with a full set of teeth. Depending on how many teeth you have missing and where they are located, chewing may become more difficult. Softer, less nutritious foods may be chosen, which often results in weight gain.
Missing teeth change not only the appearance of your smile, but also the contours of your face. Bone begins deteriorating as soon as the tooth is lost, which can result in a hollowed-out look. Your speech may not always be clear, and it becomes an embarrassment you could prevent.
We advise replacing all missing teeth with dental implants. They are very natural looking, and even a dentist would have a hard time telling them from your own teeth. They function just like real ones, so once again you can eat whatever you like. No longer do you need to feel ashamed of the appearance of your smile, with these good-looking and totally functioning replacements.
Gum Surgery Is Not the Only Option
If you have been told you need gum surgery, maybe you don’t! We offer treatment with a laser that has produced near-miraculous results in reversing gum infection. It is an easy and minimal procedure that is virtually painless! We are very experienced in this treatment and use the most advanced dental laser that is FDA approved, safe, and effective. There is one more positive aspect to using the laser – bone mass that is lost from years of gum disease can be regenerated in the dental arch, which is important for keeping natural teeth intact.
An Effective and Easy Treatment for Gum Disease
Gum disease is the main cause of missing teeth. Our doctors use an effective and proven antibiotic, ARESTIN™. It fights to stop the spread of the disease, killing bacteria to allow the gums to return to a healthy state. This powder contains invisible microspheres that work round the clock to wipe out the infection. It is applied directly to the affected and inflamed pockets in gums. You will be happy to know that it does all its work painlessly!
We can help arrest your gum disease and bring your smile back to health. Give us a call today at (703) 820-0809.
More on Gum Disease
If you are a woman and postmenopausal, ignoring gum disease can be more dangerous than you might think.
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BRADLEE DENTAL CARE
DANIEL F BABIEC, DMD, MAGD, FICOI
PAUL V STASIEWICZ, DDS
JEFFREY ACKERMAN, DDS
3543 West Braddock Road
Suite E2, 5th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22302
Call us at (703) 820-0809 tel email@example.com
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