Can gum disease cause tooth loss? Question
Yes. Periodontitis destroys the ligament and bone that hold teeth, and the CDC lists it as a leading cause of tooth loss. Most teeth with periodontitis are kept when the disease is treated and maintained; stage IV, the advanced form, is defined by the loss of five or more teeth to the disease.
What are the warning signs?
- Bleeding that persists.
- Gums pulling back from teeth.
- New gaps and drifting front teeth.
- Teeth that move or feel different when biting.
How are teeth saved?
Deep cleaning, then LANAP or regenerative surgery for deep pockets, bite adjustment and splinting for loose teeth, and lifelong maintenance. Teeth that cannot be saved are replaced, often with dental implants.
Questions
Is it too late if a tooth is loose?
Not always. Many loose teeth firm up after treatment when enough bone remains.
Sources
Gum disease and symptoms Read next
Why do my gums hurt?Gums hurt most often because they are inflamed by plaque (gingivitis), infected in a deep pocket (a periodontal abscess), irritated by trapped food, or worn by hard brushing.
Can gum disease be reversed?Gingivitis, the early stage, reverses completely: gums return to health within days to weeks of removing plaque.
Is gum disease genetic?Genes influence how strongly a person's immune system reacts to gum bacteria, so periodontitis runs in families and some people progress fast even with good care.Does smoking cause gum disease?Smoking is the strongest single risk factor for periodontitis: the CDC puts smokers at twice the risk, and in NHANES III current smokers had about four times the odds.
What do gum pocket numbers mean?The numbers called out during a gum exam are pocket depths: how far, in millimeters, a probe slides between the gum and the tooth.What are the warning signs of gum disease?The warning signs of gum disease are red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums, gums pulling away from the teeth, loose or sensitive teeth, pain when chewing, and bad breath that does not go away.