Periodontitis, otherwise known as severe gum disease, can wreak serious havoc on your gum tissue, teeth, and jaw structure if left untreated. It’s an issue that requires the immediate assistance of your dentist. Gum disease can be a sign of several different issues and can be treated by your dentist with a number of varying treatments. If you are suffering from gum disease, you may be struggling to find answers. These periodontal disease FAQs can help shine a light on the subject.
Can Gum Disease Cause Tooth Loss?
Yes. Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss. Your dentist can provide you with several options to replace the loss of one or multiple teeth. If you have lost a single tooth, your dentist can provide you with a dental implant. For moderate to severe tooth loss, your dentist can restore your smile using bridges or dentures.
Can Gum Disease Be A Sign Of A Larger Issue?
New research published by BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care suggests that severe gum disease might be an early indicator of diabetes. According to researchers from The University of Amsterdam in The Netherlands, nearly half of the patients studied suffered from severe periodontitis. The analysts also discovered that the patients with severe gum disease had a higher level of blood sugar than those without gum disease.
Although there isn’t a causal link between gum disease and diabetes, researchers suggested that screening patients with severe periodontitis for diabetes could be an effective way of diagnosing and treating the disease.
Fight Back Against Gum Disease
If you are struggling with gum disease, we can provide you with dentistry treatments to combat it. Contact us at our local Austin, TX office at 512-250-9444.
