Leading Cause of Tooth Loss Is....

Did you answer our Tuesday's Tip question correctly? The answer was FALSE - the leading cause of tooth loss is not cavities, it is gum disease.  You've heard the old adage, "Which comes first, the chicken or the egg?"  When it comes to gum disease the answer is clear.  Gum disease begins with plaque build up.  Plaque's best friend is bacteria, and bacteria's best friend is sugary, sticky or acidic substances found anything from drinks to candies.

We have all been told by our moms to brush our teeth for decades.  The main motivator behind such statements is to rid our mouths of bad breath.  After all, having really bad breath turns people off and our mom's want us to have friends, right?  Well, yes, but mom also wants to save money by preventing cavities.

The relationship between plaque and gum disease is intricate.  When teeth are cared for improperly, the breeding ground for bacteria is exponential in nature. Bacteria can reproduce quickly, and causes damage in a short period of time.  Within 20 seconds of eating sugary, sticky items, or drinking acidic juices and sodas the war on your teeth begins.  Plaque bathes your tooth in decay.  This plaque produces acid every second it is left on your precious enamel.

As plaque progresses in strength and acid content, it can embed in tiny holes on your tooth's surface, and even travel into pockets that have formed in your gums. This progression can lead to tooth decay, known as cavities, and even swollen and painful gums. If this happens, all warning lights should be going off in your mind.

If gum disease is caught early, tooth loss can be reduced greatly. There are so many wonderful treatments available today.  One of Dr. Clark's most successful treatments for gum disease is his use of laser light therapy on patients.  Read here for more information about this revolutionary tool.

Dr. Clark has seen such amazing results with Laser Light Therapy that he continues to advocate this treatment above all industry standard practices. Read about some of our success stories by clicking here.

If you have signs of gum disease which include red, swollen gums, bad breath, receding gums, deep pockets, loose or shifting teeth, please do no delay any further.  Although laser treatment can make drastic results possible, the earlier you treat gum disease the better your results will be.

Please call to schedule your consultation appointment today.  Dr. Clark would love to educate you on the the treatments that will be best for you or your loved ones.  

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