If my teeth and gums don't hurt, how can I have a problem?

Bone loss is not usually a painful condition. The bacteria that cause the bone loss are often normal inhabitants of the mouth. When they accumulate in higher proportions, they get under the gums and cause bone loss. If the bone loss becomes so severe that the bacteria get trapped deep under the gums, they can multiply to the point that they create pressure and then pain can occur. Teeth can also get so loose that they become painful. Unfortunately, by the time these things occur, the disease is in its advanced stages and can usually only be managed by removing the painful tooth. Your family dentist or a Periodontist, takes measurements of your gums and bone at every cleaning appointment to determine the health of your gums. They use this information to identify the disease at an earlier stage when treatment is possible and more likely to get things under control.

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