Gum disease is a condition that affects over half the adult population in America. The condition starts out as gingivitis, which is the inflammation of the soft tissue. If treated in a timely manner, gingivitis can be reversed, allowing patients to lead a normal life. What happens, though, if gum disease is allowed to progress? Continue reading to learn about the connection between gum disease and facial shape.
When Gum Disease is Ignored
At the gingivitis stage, there is no permanent damage to the underlying tissue and bone that hold teeth in place. Over time, the condition can advance to periodontitis, a more complex form of gum disease. The following explains the different stages of periodontitis and the typical occurrences at each phase:
Early Periodontitis
As the gums become more inflamed, they start to pull away from the teeth, forming spaces known as periodontal pockets. These spaces allow food, bacteria and plaque to collect in them, leading to infection. The bacterial toxins can cause bone damage.
Moderate Periodontitis
As inflammation spreads, the symptoms of periodontitis eventually become more acute. There can be an increase in bone degeneration, causing the affected teeth to loosen and the gums to recede.
Advanced Periodontitis
Continued negligence can lead to a painful abscess and the tooth completely dislodging.
How Tooth Loss Can Impact Your Facial Shape
In addition to allowing you to chew food, your teeth contribute greatly to the structure and aesthetics of your face. When even one tooth is missing for a prolonged period, the surrounding teeth can begin to shift, starting a chain reaction of events.
Furthermore, when teeth are missing, it decreases the natural tension that is applied at the jawbone level, which limits the amount of new bone matter produced. This leads to a diminished jawbone and a change in your facial shape.
Preventing Facial Shape Changes That Result from Tooth Loss
The moral to the story is that it’s never a good idea to ignore gum disease. The moment you notice any changes in your gum health (bleeding, bad breath, changes in gum color, tenderness, etc.), you should seek care from a dentist.
Here are two ways gum disease can be treated:
- Scaling and Root Planing – The two-step procedure involves the dentist cleaning beneath the gum line to remove bacteria and plaque. Then, the tooth roots are smoothed to discourage future bacteria growth.
- PerioChip – An innovative and rather new treatment option, the PerioChip is small enough to fit in the space between certain teeth and the gums. The chip contains a powerful medicine that is able to reach and eliminate any bacteria left after the scaling and root planing is completed.
While these methods have been proven effective for treating gum disease, the most successful approach is prevention. This involves maintaining regular visits to a dentist for checkups and practicing excellent oral hygiene (brushing and flossing at least two times a day).
However, if you suspect that you’re dealing with some form of gum disease, the sooner you take action, the better off you’ll be in the long run.
About the Author
Dr. James K. Kramer is a graduate of the Temple University School of Dentistry. As part of his commitment to excellence, he has earned a Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry and received advanced postgraduate training from the prestigious Dawson Academy. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Kramer is able to effectively treat gum disease at his private practice. He can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.