This week we speak with Dr. Kitsie Hendrix about tooth loss.

Question: What causes tooth loss?

Answer:

The majority of tooth loss, which is suffered by 9 out of 10 people, is caused  by bone loss from unchecked gum disease.  Bacteria from gum disease can cause the attachment between the tooth and bone to weaken and form an empty pocket.  Without professional cleaning every 3 months, this pocket quickly becomes deeper than you can clean with regular methods, such as flossing and brushing.  Then, quietly and painlessly the disease can progress to the root of the tooth without any visible signs, until the pocket gets so deep that the infection is trapped. When this happens, pus from the infection cannot drain, your gum swells deep below the gumline and a painful gum boil is the result.

While this is going on untreated, you are at ten times the risk of heart attack or stroke, more likely to get chronic kidney failure, cancer, arthritis, and less likely to control diabetes. This is because periodontal disease is a chronic infection that is seeping into your circulatory system and literally changing the lining of your vessels.  It can become a constant challenge to your immune system to battle such an infection.

Bad breath, an unattractive smile and failing health need to be met head on with a thorough periodontal exam and complete set of x-rays. Prevention and maintenance are the first step to the way back to good oral health and a beautiful, confident smile.

Dr. Kitsie Hendrix - Kitsie Hendrix, D.D.S. graduated from Emory University School of Dentistry, subsequently earning certification in periodontology from the University of Pennsylvania. A periodontist, Hendrix specializes in gum and dental implant surgery and has practiced for over 27 years. Visit her online at perio-implantdentistry.com .

**This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice.