Many people focus only on their teeth when they consider their dental health, but your gums are just as important. After all, without strong enough connective tissues, there would be nothing holding your grin together.
But did you know that maintaining healthy gum tissues can also help preserve your facial structure? Continue reading to learn more about it and how you can help prevent periodontal disease to maintain a beautiful, healthy smile!
How Does Gum Disease Impact My Teeth?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), advanced-stage gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is the leading cause of permanent tooth loss. Under normal circumstances, your gums help anchor your teeth in their sockets. But if bacteria form plaque along the gumline, they can penetrate your connective tissues and trigger infection.
Although gum disease can start small, it’s difficult to detect early, so it often progresses. As your condition worsens, your connective tissues begin to recede. This exposes more of the roots, making them unstable and eventually leading to tooth loss.
How Does Tooth Loss Affect My Facial Structure?
Gaps in the grin can detract from your appearance, but did you know they can also affect your facial structure? Your tooth roots are essential to maintaining a strong, healthy foundation for your mouth because they stimulate new bone growth in your jaw each time you bite down. When one or more fall out, you can potentially lose up to 25% of the surrounding bone density within the first year alone.
As your jaw thins, the muscles, ligaments, and other tissues connected to it can also shift and change. For example, your chin can rotate forward and look more prominent, your facial height can drop and make your nose seem larger by comparison, and you could develop sunken-looking cheeks and additional wrinkles that make you look older than you feel.
How Can I Help Prevent Gum Disease?
Thankfully, you can prevent gum disease to avoid face-altering tooth loss by:
- Implementing a dental hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria that contribute to common oral issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay.
- Eating wholesome foods. Avoid overly sugary or acidic foods and eat more foods high in vitamin C, such as certain leafy greens or citrus fruits, to help build and maintain stronger connective tissues.
- Scheduling regular dental checkups. Seeing your dentist every 6 months for a routine exam and cleaning lets them monitor your dental health and treat concerns, like swollen gums, before they have a chance to progress.
If you suspect you have developed periodontal disease, contacting your dentist sooner rather than later can help you maintain more than ‘just’ your smile!
About the Practice
Patients at Ellicott City Smiles Dental Group benefit from a team of providers who are passionate about helping them build the happiest, healthiest versions of their smiles. With general dentists and multiple specialists on staff, they have a multi-disciplinary approach to dental care, and can meet even the most unique needs under one roof. They collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including gum disease treatment, using advanced technology for more comfortable, accurate results. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (410) 465-3224.