Everyone knows that cavities can cause tooth loss, it's common knowledge. What isn't such common knowledge is there are oral conditions that are almost as prevalent as cavities that can do as much or more damage to your oral health. Periodontal issues, like gum disease and periodontal disease, can lead to tooth loss and worse.

Why Haven't I Heard of Periodontal Disease?

You probably have heard of some form of periodontal disease. Gum disease is a phrase that most people have at least heard a few times even if they don't realize what it is or how it works. You can think of gum disease as the early stages of full-blown periodontal disease. Essentially, periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and soft tissues of the mouth due to a lack of oral hygiene for an extended period of time.

What Does Periodontal Disease do?

When you have an infection that has spread throughout the soft tissues of your mouth, your overall health can be negatively impacted. Periodontal disease is linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes as well as a variety of other general health issues. The direct impact that periodontal disease can have on your teeth and mouth is impressive, if terrible.

Periodontal disease can easily lead to tooth loss and even bone loss. What tends to happen is a tooth will be lost due to the degradation of the surrounding tissue, decay in the tooth, and the effects of periodontal disease. Once a tooth is lost the issues can really start to compound. Other teeth begin to move into the space vacated by the lost tooth, the bite changes in the mouth, and bone loss weakens the surrounding teeth even further.

Oral Health is Key

Brushing and flossing regularly are terribly important in the fight against both cavities and periodontal disease. Make sure to go to the dentist at least twice a year and if your teeth are bothering you, contact our office to make an appointment to be seen by a professional right away.