Tooth Loss Isn’t Just a Problem for Older Adults: Reduce Your Risk Now

The top cause of tooth loss in adults is gum – or periodontal – disease. While 40% of people experience periodontal disease, this condition accounts for 70% of tooth loss. Periodontal disease is easily treatable in its early stages, which means you can avoid the loss of any of your teeth.

Brian Goodman, DDS, Tanner Goodman, DMD, and the rest of our team at Goodman Dental Center are experts in tooth and gum care. We want you to be able to recognize the signs of early periodontal disease and know how to prevent further complications to protect against tooth loss.

Risk factors and signs of periodontal disease

While some factors that can contribute to periodontal disease are out of your control, other things are entirely up to you. Here are some of the risk factors for periodontal disease and tooth loss:

Your age
Your gender
Not visiting the dentist regularly
Having diabetes
Having high blood pressure

Poor oral hygiene can also increase your periodontal disease and tooth loss risk.

Periodontal disease in its early stages is called gingivitis, where your gums are inflamed. You can reverse gingivitis with thorough brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings.

However, left untreated, gingivitis can become a periodontal disease. If this condition does develop, these are the symptoms to look out for:

Bleeding and swollen gums
Loose teeth
Receding gums
Sensitive teeth
Pain when chewing

If you also have chronic bad breath or a constant foul taste in your mouth, these could be indicators that you have periodontal disease. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our office immediately to see our experts and get treated to prevent tooth loss.

Treating periodontal disease

Because periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, it’s critical to check it out as soon as you notice symptoms. Our treatment methods for periodontal disease range depending on the severity of your condition.

On top of recommending that you practice good oral hygiene, we offer the following treatments:

Deep cleaning of your teeth and gums
Scraping tartar above and beneath your gum line (gum scaling)
Smoothing any areas where bacteria may be hiding (root planing)
Laser removal of plaque and tartar

Seeing us regularly for basic dental cleanings can also ward off the earliest stages of this disease.

The bottom line

Periodontal disease is easily avoidable if you see your dentist regularly and maintain a good oral hygiene routine. If you don’t, you can develop gingivitis, which leads to periodontal disease and tooth loss.

To set up your next dental cleaning with us or get checked out for periodontal disease, call our office in Queen Creek, Arizona, at 480-807-4000, or use our online booking feature to schedule a consultation today.