How Tooth Loss and Gum Disease are Connected

Posted .

What have you heard about gum disease? You may have heard that gum disease could lead to sensitive teeth, bad breath, and even pain in your gums. But did you know that it could also cause missing teeth? You see, if bacteria builds up on your teeth, it can irritate your gum line. If this happens, pockets of bacteria can form—which leads to infections which can affect your tooth’s root and the connective tissues that keep your teeth rooted to your jaw.

While missing a tooth can be an embarrassing problem, missing teeth can actually lead to a number of serious complications. For instance, did you know that missing teeth can change your bite? This can eventually affect the way your jaw closes, which can even lead to TMJ disorder. Individuals with missing teeth can experience jawbone deterioration, which can also lead to bone loss.

There are a number of options you can consider for addressing these issues, including dental implants, dentures, and bridges. Our team will be happy to examine the state of your smile and determine which of these restorations could be your best option. All of these restorations are designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. And remember that you can typically prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist about every six months.

Would you like to learn more about the care you can receive from our team? Do you have more questions about how you can prevent gum disease—or even what you can do to replace a missing tooth? If so, please feel free to contact Brandon Burger, DDS by calling us at 615-889-8202. We’ll be happy to examine the health of your teeth and to offer you any advice you need. We hope to hear from you soon.