Sometimes​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ gum disease can be less visible than we expect. We know it through symptoms like red, tender, and swollen gums, but a silent bone loss is a widespread problem that is always overlooked. This can develop unnoticed and have a dire impact on your dental health. So, the question remains, how can you determine whether you are at risk? The most important thing for one to prevent the most serious problems is to recognize the signs of gum bone loss. Here, we consider the first symptoms of silent bone loss and how professional gum disease treatment can help.

Understanding the Silent Process of Bone Loss in Gum Disease

Bone loss due to gum disease is the most significant complication of this illness. In a large percentage of cases, detecting such a process is impossible during the initial phase of the disease. Consider the instances in which the symptoms of bone loss may occur, as mentioned below:

• Receding Gums: Receding gums can be a sign of bone loss, but other factors may also cause them, so it’s essential to have a dentist evaluate the cause.
• Loose Teeth: Loose teeth can be a sign of advanced gum disease and bone loss, but they may also occur for other reasons.
• Changes in Bite: If you notice your bite feels different or your teeth no longer align as they once did, it’s essential to see a dentist.

On their own, these signs signal danger. However, in most cases, bone loss due to periodontal disease often occurs gradually, and only a few notice the changes until they are pretty pronounced. For this reason, it is necessary to have frequent dental examinations and to seek professional gum disease treatment in Amherst, OH.

The Role of Bone in Oral Health

One of the main functions of the jawbone is to provide support to the teeth so that they can be stable. When an inflammatory process caused by gum disease involves the tissues surrounding the teeth, it may eventually break down the bone underneath. The bone loss that goes hand in hand with gum disease, however, is not readily apparent to those who have not been trained to identify such cases, which is why routine X-rays should be part of your visit to the dentist. 

If not detected early, the infection associated with gum disease can destroy bone over time and result in permanent tooth loss. Gum disease treatment in Amherst, OH, is essential to stop bone deterioration and restore oral health. Early intervention can help prevent irreversible damage.

What​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Can You Do to Prevent Bone Loss?

Preventing bone loss requires consistent oral care and professional dental treatment. Here are a few tips to protect your teeth and gums:

• Brush and Floss Every Day: Proper oral hygiene helps prevent gum disease.
• See Your Dentist: Regular visits allow your dentist to detect and treat the earliest signs of gum disease.
• Stop Smoking: One of the ways smoking contributes to bone loss is by making the progression of gum disease faster.

Get the Treatment You Need

Along with the neighborhood team of dentists, Amherst Neighborhood Dentistry is committed to providing comprehensive Gum disease treatment in Amherst, OH, designed to address the root causes and stop bone loss in its tracks. If you feel uneasy about the state of your gums, making an appointment with us to discuss how we can help you keep your smile and bone structure strong is a great idea.

FAQs

What causes gum disease?

The leading causes of gum disease are plaque and bacteria that form on teeth and gums. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and genetics can also play a role in this.

How can I prevent gum disease?

Proper brushing and flossing, along with regular dental visits, are the best ways to prevent gum disease.

Is gum disease reversible?

With adequate therapy, the early stage of gum disease may be reversible, whereas later stages may require more complex interventions.

What are the stages of gum disease?

The development of gum disease is a gradual process through four different stages: gingivitis, early periodontitis, moderate periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

Can gum disease lead to other health issues?

Indeed, if left untreated, gum disease can contribute to the development of heart disease, diabetes, and other severe ailments.

How does smoking affect gum disease?

Smoking impairs the immune system and reduces the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the gums, making the infection harder to defeat.

What happens if gum disease is left untreated?

If gum disease is not treated, dental problems such as tooth loss and bone damage, as well as adverse effects on general health, will ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌result.