{"id":100,"date":"2023-12-11T17:50:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T17:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spillmanfamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=100"},"modified":"2024-01-28T17:54:51","modified_gmt":"2024-01-28T17:54:51","slug":"challenging-changes-how-gum-disease-impacts-your-facial-structure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.spillmanfamilydental.com\/blog\/2023\/12\/11\/challenging-changes-how-gum-disease-impacts-your-facial-structure\/","title":{"rendered":"Challenging Changes: How Gum Disease Impacts Your Facial Structure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Did you know that gum disease<\/a> is the leading cause of tooth loss worldwide? It\u2019s an incredibly common disease that affects more than 47% of American Adults. On top of that, it\u2019s possible to have it and be unaware because it doesn\u2019t exhibit visible symptoms until it has progressed to more advanced stages. To add insult to injury, the consequences of gum disease can alter the structure of your face and lead to a more aged appearance. Keep reading to learn more about why this happens and what you can do to prevent it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is the Relationship Between Gum Disease and Tooth Loss?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your gums are the foundation for your teeth. They hold them in place and deliver essential nutrients that benefit them as well as your jawbone. Healthy gums should be pink, firm, and have an even appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As unhealthy bacteria penetrate under the gum line, you\u2019ll develop an infection that weakens the gums and causes them to retract. They\u2019ll pull away from your pearly whites, which can loosen them as well as expose the vulnerable roots which causes them to weaken and fall out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does Tooth Loss Affect My Face?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, when you lose a tooth, you can also lose up to 25% of your jawbone ridge within the first year. The roots of your teeth deliver a healthy supply of nutrients to the underlying bone as it\u2019s stimulated by biting and chewing. When one goes missing, your jawbone begins to decompose which can also result in additional tooth loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can influence your facial structure in a few ways, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n