Treat Gum Disease to Preserve Bone Structure
At his dental practice, Dr. John P. Goodman offers a full range of dental services. He understands that all of the components of the mouth are related, so it is important to preserve the health of the teeth, gums, and jawbone. If any one of these components suffer, the health of the others may suffer as well.
For example, there is a specific link between gum disease and deterioration of the jawbone. Periodontal disease causes inflammation in the gums that negatively impacts surrounding tissues. If gum disease leads to bone loss, our Kansas City, MO patients are also at a high risk for tooth loss. The teeth rely on strong healthy gums and bone tissue to provide a supportive anchor. For this reason, it is especially important to treat gum disease before bone loss and tooth loss become a problem.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a pretty common dental term, so most patients have heard it, but many don’t understand exactly what it is. In the simplest terms, gum disease is an infection. This infection develops when bacteria build up between the teeth and gum tissues.
Gum disease can cause a number of side effects. Most commonly, patients with gum disease will notice a slight darkening of the gum tissue, increased gum sensitivity (such as bleeding when brushing), and swelling of the gums. These are the symptoms that are most likely to be noticed by patients.
How Gum Disease Leads to Bone Loss
When gum disease is in its earliest stage, which is commonly referred to as gingivitis, side effects are less noticeable. This makes it easy for gum disease to be neglected. Unless a patient is vigilant about maintaining regular dental check-ups, the disease will likely go undiagnosed until it has progressed to a more serious problem.
Untreated gum disease is likely to result in further oral health problems. The infection that starts in the gums can spread to surrounding tissues. The jawbone tissues are those most likely to be affected. When infection reaches the bone, these tissues can weaken and deteriorate. Patients with advanced gum disease often serious bone deterioration.
Preventing Bone Loss
The best way to prevent bone loss is to treat gum disease while it is still in its earliest stages. Because the early side effects of gum disease may not be as obvious to patients, it is important to schedule a routine dental exam and cleaning at least once every six months. Dr. Goodman can diagnose gum disease at one of these routine exams and recommend a treatment plan that will eliminate infection, restore gum health, and preserve healthy bone tissue.
Schedule an Appointment
General dentistry services are vital to preserving the health of the teeth, gums, and jawbone. If you are due for a routine dental exam and cleaning and are looking for a caring, experienced dentist, look no further than Dr. John P. Goodman. Schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience to learn more about our full range of dental services.
