What is the #1 cause of tooth loss?

Did you guess cavities? If you did, you are not the only one. However, it is not the correct answer. Periodontal disease is the #1 leading cause of tooth loss. And leading research has linked periodontal disease with heart and respiratory diseases; pre-term, low birth weight babies; stroke; osteoporosis and diabetes.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial disease that continually decreases the supporting bone around your teeth, which then can lead to tooth loss. There are very common signs for this disease and one that you may often over-look. Bleeding gums are not normal and should be taken as a warning sign of disease. Just think…if you washed parts of your body and they just started bleeding, would you think that was normal? It is very important for you to be aware of the health of your gums before it leads to more serious problems. (more…)