Most teeth are lost due to periodontal (gum) disease. The general assumption is that decay is the reason, but gum disease can show little to no symptoms right up to the point of losing your teeth. Common signs of gum disease are bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, and loose teeth. If treated in the early stages, nonsurgical means can correct the problem. Otherwise, surgery may be the only option.
Far-Reaching Health Effects from Gum Disease
Medical research has revealed a startling discovery: gum infections can have an effect on
serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Dentists are now regarding gum disease as a much more serious problem than merely losing your teeth. Even worse, the American Dental Association reports that nearly 80% of Americans have this type of infection. If this were a medical condition, it would be considered a national epidemic!The bacteria in the gums enter the bloodstream, reaching certain organs and potentially causing them harm. 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."
Taking Care of Gum Disease
We recommend at the first signs of bleeding gums or loose or shifting teeth to come to our office. Early treatment and improved daily dental hygiene can take care of this infection without surgery. Once the disease is advanced, surgery may be the only option. Both surgical and nonsurgical methods are usually covered under most dental insurance.
What Happens When You Lose a Tooth
Other problems can result from losing even a single tooth. Adjacent teeth can start to
loosen, with the possibility of losing another tooth. Your chewing is not as efficient as it should be, resulting in the absorption of fewer nutrients. As it becomes more difficult to chew without full upper and lower teeth, foods that are easier to chew but less nutritious may be consumed more often. This often results in weight gain.Your speech may become embarrassing, with certain words difficult for others to understand. You may start to look older than your years with deteriorating bone in the facial structure making your cheeks appear sunken.
We suggest replacing as many teeth as you have missing with dental implants. They come up through the gums, giving them a very natural appearance – as if they grew there – and they function just like your own teeth. You will be pleased to recapture a full smile and eat every type of food you want.
Defeat Gum Disease Painlessly
Dr. Coleman is pleased to offer her patients a powerful weapon in the fight against
gum disease. It's called ARESTIN™. It comes in powder form and contains very tiny microspheres that are not visible to the eye. These microspheres deliver a time-released antibiotic directly to the site of the infection (the spaces between the gums and teeth). ARESTIN kills the bacteria that cause gum disease. The best part is that it's all painless!Beautiful You Family Dental
Erin Coleman, DDS
10485 North Michigan Road, Suite 150
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 875-7645
BeautifulYouFamilyDental.com
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