{"id":196,"date":"2022-10-14T10:24:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-14T10:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.worcesterdentalimplants.com\/blog\/?p=196"},"modified":"2022-11-08T15:34:20","modified_gmt":"2022-11-08T15:34:20","slug":"how-does-gum-disease-affect-facial-shape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.worcesterdentalimplants.com\/blog\/how-does-gum-disease-affect-facial-shape\/","title":{"rendered":"How Does Gum Disease Affect Facial Shape?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you are living with gum disease, you probably already know that red, swollen, and bleeding gums come with the territory. While these symptoms can be reversed if caught in their early stages (gingivitis), they can worsen over time if left untreated. Should this happen, you will not only face increased inflammation, but you\u2019ll also suffer bone and tooth loss, which can negatively impact your oral health and facial structure. If you\u2019re wondering how bacteria that attack the soft oral tissues can change your appearance, a periodontist in Worcester<\/a> explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Your Changing Appearance: The Negative Effects of Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Surprisingly gum disease and facial shape go hand-in-hand. When bacteria attack the tissue, it begins by irritating and causing inflammation to your gums. As it spreads beneath the gum line, the infection then targets your teeth and bone. As a result, your teeth can become loose and fall out, and your bone will begin to deteriorate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a tooth\u2019s root is no longer there to stimulate the jawbone, changes in the facial shape can occur. In fact, it is believed that nearly 25% of the jawbone ridge width goes away in the first year of tooth loss.  Not only can the angle of your face change (i.e., the nose appears longer, vertical lines appear deeper on your face), but your bite will also shift, creating an unhappy or harsh look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, your chin can protrude forward, your lips can become thin, and your jowls will sag, all of which can cause you to appear older than you actually are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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