How Can Gum Disease Affect Your Bone Health
Posted on June 27, 2025
Gum disease is prevalent, especially among adults, yet many people underestimate how serious it can become without intervention. Studies found that nearly half of adults older than 30 years old are affected by some form of periodontal disease ranging from mild gingivitis to more severe periodontitis. As the disease progresses, it can cause a range of symptoms, some minor, like tender or bleeding gums, but others more serious, such as bone loss and eventually tooth loss. Protecting your bone health is important for a long-lasting smile and healthy gums. At The Perio Centre, our team and trusted periodontists in Whitby and Oshawa offer a range of periodontal treatments, from scaling and root planing to high-quality dental implants designed to protect, preserve, and restore your gums as well as your jawbone.
To learn more about the toll gum disease can take on your health and to explore restoration options such as dental implants in Whitby read on.
How Gum Disease Impacts the Bone Beneath Your Teeth
Both your upper and lower jaw bones are incredibly important oral structures, as they are responsible for supporting your gums and holding your teeth in place. When gum disease evolves into periodontitis or advanced gum disease, the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth will start to pull away, creating openings and pockets between the teeth and the gums, leaving your smile vulnerable to bacteria. As bacteria accumulate beneath the gums, they also multiply, which triggers an inflammatory response which starts to break down the soft gum tissue as well as the bone underneath.
When the bone starts to wear away, it can weaken the foundation of your teeth, eventually leading to tooth mobility or tooth loss. Once this bone is gone, it cannot regenerate on its own. In advanced cases, patients will need grafting or specialized treatment to rebuild bone mass, especially if they are planning on receiving dental implants in Whitby to replace missing teeth.
Our periodontist offers high-quality, surgical-grade dental implants in Whitby, which can restore tooth loss and prevent future bone loss. To explore more treatment options before your bone loss goes too far, book a consultation with Dr. Adam Ohayon at The Perio Centre.
Bone Health and Dental Implants
Dental implants require a solid foundation for long-term success. The implant post is surgically placed into the jaw bone, where it must fuse with the bone. If the bone is too weak or too thin due to periodontal disease, the implant may not be able to integrate properly. This can increase the risk of implant failure or make you ineligible for the procedure altogether.
To move forward with implants, many patients need a bone graft, or sinus lift first. As a trusted periodontist in Whitby, Dr. Adam Ohayon can evaluate your bone density and determine whether you are a candidate for implants or if preparatory procedures are necessary.
Other Effects of Bone Loss from Gum Disease
The consequences of bone loss are not limited to your teeth. When your jaw bone begins to deteriorate, it can affect the shape of your face and lead to a sunken appearance around the cheeks and mouth. This can alter your facial profile and cause you to look older than you are.
Beyond the cosmetic concerns, bone loss also affects how your teeth fit together and how well you can chew your food. Over time, this can impact your digestion and overall health. Early intervention with a specialist, like your periodontist, can help prevent tooth loss and extend the longevity of your natural smile. If you’re already feeling the effects of bone loss, you can explore other periodontal treatments that enhance the comfort and functionality of your smile.
Preserve Your Bone Health with Gum Disease Treatment at The Perio Centre
Identifying gum disease in its early stages gives you the best chance of mitigating bone loss. Symptoms like red or swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, and gum recession should not be ignored. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or bone loss, contact The Peiro Centre to book a consultation and explore treatment options. Dr. Adam Ohayon and our team of experts are committed to providing tailored treatments and high-level patient support.