{"id":303,"date":"2021-07-31T14:41:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-31T14:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hickoryflatdentist.com\/blog\/?p=303"},"modified":"2021-08-11T14:41:39","modified_gmt":"2021-08-11T14:41:39","slug":"how-gum-disease-affects-your-face-shape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hickoryflatdentist.com\/blog\/2021\/07\/how-gum-disease-affects-your-face-shape\/","title":{"rendered":"You Asked, We Answered: Does Gum Disease Affect Your Face Shape?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Gum disease is a condition that affects roughly 50% of American adults. Also referred to as gingivitis, this dental problem can take a serious toll on the look and function of your smile. What you may not know, however, is that if left untreated, it can lead to dramatic changes to your facial structure too. Keep reading to learn more about how gum disease affects your face shape and a few important prevention tactics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Progression of Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease is often the result of unhealthy dental habits, like not brushing before bed, neglecting to floss, and skipping your six-month dental checkups and cleanings. Before long, the initial symptoms will begin to surface, including swollen\/tender gums, bleeding when you brush your teeth, persistent bad breath, and receding gums. If left untreated, the infection will attack the supporting structure, resulting in tooth loss. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to seek treatment<\/a> sooner rather than later!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Gum Disease Changes Your Facial Structure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To preserve your jawbone (and facial structure), your teeth stimulate the bone as you chew. However, with a gap in your smile, the bone will no longer get the stimulus it needs to stay strong. As a result, it will weaken over time. In fact, as much as 25% is lost in the first year after losing a tooth! While one missing tooth won\u2019t dramatically affect your face shape, multiple missing teeth certainly will. Therefore, it\u2019s of the utmost importance that you practice proper prevention, seek treatment in the early stages, and discuss tooth-replacement options with your dentist (if needed).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8 Important Prevention Tactics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prevention is paramount when it comes to the health of your teeth and gums. With this in mind, make sure to prioritize the below dental care best practices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n