Dental Gum Disease

The Number One Reason for Tooth Loss

Most patients equate tooth loss with decay. But the main cause is periodontal or gum disease. Gum infection can sometimes go unnoticed until it has reached a chronic and advanced stage. Symptoms include loose or shifting teeth and bleeding gums while brushing or flossing. It is important to come into our office at the first signs of this problem. Gum surgery can be avoided if treatment begins in the earlier stages.

Gum Disease Can Mean More Than Losing Your Teeth

Medical research has made a startling discovery about gum disease. It contributes to the life-threatening conditions of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. A statistic provided by the American Dental Association has revealed that approximately 8 of 10 adults in the United States have gum disease. 

Dentists now consider periodontal infection to be a much more serious condition than just the risk of losing your teeth. And with 80% of the population afflicted, this problem is at an epidemic level.

The American Academy of Periodontology reports, "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." The bacteria in gums travels throughout the bloodstream, having an effect on major organs.

Advanced and Easier Treatments for Gum Disease

Nonsurgical methods may effectively take care of your gum disease if treated in the earlier stages of the problem. Waiting until the infection is severe may mean needing gum surgery to save your teeth. Combined with improved diet and better hygiene, treatment can usually reverse the infection and save your teeth. Both methods are generally covered by dental insurance plans.

Center for Advanced Dentistry   
Ushma Patel, DMD   
6916 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 500   
Suwanee, GA 30024   
(770) 623-8750   
JohnsCreekSedationDentist.com