Periodontal Preservation: How Routine Care Helps Prevent Tooth Loss
People are more likely to have painful and costly dental issues without proper gum care. Many of these issues can lead to tooth loss. There’s no way around it: Gum health is linked closely to a healthy smile, strong teeth, and overall health. Routine care and periodontal preservation can help keep you from losing one or more teeth.
Why Periodontal Health Is So Important
Food debris and bacteria in the mouth are the root cause of dental plaque. When plaque isn’t cleaned from the teeth, this natural but harmful substance hardens on your teeth and becomes tartar. At some point, the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, sets in. This occurs when the plaque on your teeth accumulates so much that the gums become inflamed and begin bleeding.
When an infection spreads, your bones deteriorate, and teeth become loose. Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth and your teeth. If this type of infection gets into a person’s bloodstream, the results can be devastating. According to Harvard Health, periodontal disease has been linked to serious health conditions that include:
- diabetes
- cardiovascular disease
- pregnancy complications
- chronic respiratory disease
Gums: The Foundation of Beautiful Teeth
Your teeth begin to decay when the bacteria in your mouth feast on sugar that remains after eating many types of food. As the bacteria release acids, your dental enamel becomes damaged. Meanwhile, plaque gets underneath the gums, where it causes inflammation. Gum disease is imminent at this point, and your teeth are at risk.
While many people are concerned about how their teeth look, taking care of the underlying structure is most important. Gums and the soft tissue surrounding the teeth must be in excellent condition to properly support the teeth. When the gums can no longer support them, the teeth loosen, and tooth loss eventually occurs.
Routine Care: The Key to Periodontal Preservation
Routine dental care by your dentist is vital to maintaining good oral health. Many issues can be detected at a routine checkup, and having your teeth professionally cleaned once a year can help prevent gum disease, bone loss, and tooth loss.