Gum disease: the root cause of tooth loss amongst adults
Tooth loss can have a severe impact on the health and appearance of your smile, as well as your confidence.
Recent studies revealed by the Academy of General Dentistry have confirmed gum disease to be the largest cause of tooth loss amongst adults, ranking higher than oral trauma or disease.
Here at Lidums Dental in Southport we can help restore your missing teeth to regain your bright smile, your confidence and to help improve your overall health.
What causes gum disease?
Quite simply, gum disease is most often caused by poor oral health. The normal bacteria in our mouths form a sticky, colourless plaque on our teeth. Brushing and flossing can help get rid of plaque; however, plaque that is not removed can harden, forming tartar, and can only be removed when you visit us for a professional clean.
The longer plaque and tartar are on your teeth, the more harmful it becomes to oral health, leading to bacterial inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). If left untreated, gingivitis can advanced to Periodontitis, where the gums and tissue that support the teeth deteriorate, causing teeth to become loose, fall out, or have to be removed by a professional.
If you are suffering from the early stages of gum disease it is important to visit us for treatment to reduce the risk of tooth loss. Below are a few early warning signs that can indicate the presence of gum disease:
- Bad breath that won’t go away or a bad taste in your mouth
- Tender and bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Red and swollen gums
- Loose or sensitive teeth
- Receding gums / longer appearing teeth
Dental Implants can restore you missing teeth and protect your oral health
If you have lost a tooth or are missing multiple teeth then Dental Implants are your solution to restore your smile, as well as your confidence. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root replacement that is typically made of titanium to replace missing teeth. A dental implant is secured in the jawbone and over time fuses with your jaw bone and is then capped with a crown or bridge, offering a permanent solution to missing teeth. Dental implants capped with crowns or bridges look and feel natural, just like your own teeth, restoring the function and aesthetic of your smile.
The many benefits of dental implants
Dental implants offer a multitude of benefits to help improve your oral and overall health. The benefits include:
Aesthetics: Dental implants can help you restore your confidence and elevate your self-esteem.
Functionality: Missing teeth can severely inhibit your oral functionality, however; dental implants can restore the ability to chew, smile and talk more easily and comfortably.
Restores facial structure: Patients with missing teeth can suffer from facial deformity –your teeth normally build out the facial structure but when missing, can cause a hollow in your cheeks, making you appear older. Dental implants can help rebuild your facial framework to its correct state.
Improved oral health: When teeth are missing you become susceptible to receding gums and bone loss. Dental implants can avoid these problems to improve your overall health and oral hygiene.
Dr Arnis can help you regain your smile, confidence and oral health
Our principal prosthodontist Dr Arnis has been involved with dental implants on the Gold Coast for over a decade. He has extensive specialised experience in implant treatments, from single tooth implants through to full arch implant reconstructions. At your initial consultation Dr Arnis will perform a full mouth assessment, and will work with you to determine which treatment option is best for you and your unique dental situation.
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