Can Having Teeth Removed Help Cure Gum Disease?

In the United States, nearly half of adults ages 30 and older have been diagnosed with some form of gum disease. As gum disease progresses, you may start considering tooth extractions to make the issue go away. Though extractions may be necessary for certain stages of gum disease, there are some factors you should consider before proceeding with tooth removal.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease, or an infection of the gum tissue, characterized by inflammation or tenderness. Over time, swelling and bleeding may be a sign it’s developing into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. This is the stage of gum disease where bacteria starts to destroy gum tissue, supportive structures, the jawbone, and other key elements that hold your teeth in place. In fact, periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Some common symptoms include receding, tender, swollen, red, or bleeding gums, bad breath, pain when chewing, and teeth that are loose or more sensitive than usual.

When Tooth Extraction May Be Needed

Though untreated periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, that doesn’t mean having your teeth extracted will solve all your problems. Your dentist will recommend extraction if the tooth cannot be saved or if removing it may help prevent the infection from spreading. Even when teeth are removed, you will still need gum disease treatment such as antibiotics or scaling and root planing to get the infection under control. Your dentist will always aim to avoid extracting the tooth because this will save you time, money, and will help prevent the complications that come with tooth loss. 

Gum Disease Prevention

Advanced periodontitis can lead to serious problems like tooth and bone loss and infection spreading to other parts of the mouth and body. By having your teeth cleaned twice a year, your doctor will be able to identify gum disease in its early stages and treat it before it becomes more serious. Other ways to prevent it include:

• Brushing teeth for two minutes twice a day, flossing once a day, and using Listerine mouthwash
• Making sure you are getting plenty of vitamin D and C through your diet or taking supplements
• Drinking black or green tea to help prevent plaque from sticking to teeth
• Cutting out or cutting back on smoking and drinking
• Eating hard, fibrous vegetables to help clean and stimulate teeth and gums

Besides implementing a healthy lifestyle, make sure to keep a close eye on gum health with frequent checkups. Notify your dentist of any signs of disease, and make sure to establish good oral health routines to keep your teeth and gums in good condition.

About the Author

Dentistry of Wisconsin has been offering quality family dentistry in Beaver Dam since 2013 and Waupun since 2005. Their passion and dedication are apparent in their work to beautify the smiles of their patients. They inspect your gums during every checkup for early signs of gum disease and offer treatment options to ensure your can enjoy a healthy and complete smile that lasts a lifetime. To learn more, call their Waupun office at (920) 345-4127, their Beaver Dam office at (920) 543-4539, or visit their website.