{"id":325,"date":"2024-09-10T17:22:33","date_gmt":"2024-09-10T17:22:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.avenidental.com\/blog\/?p=325"},"modified":"2024-09-10T17:22:34","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T17:22:34","slug":"gum-disease-affect-facial-shape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.avenidental.com\/blog\/2024\/09\/10\/gum-disease-affect-facial-shape\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Gum Disease Affect Facial Shape? Learn What You Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Concerned<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Gum disease<\/a> is one of the most common oral health problems, affecting nearly half of the adult population in the United States. In its early stages, it may cause only minor symptoms. As it progresses, though, it can lead to some serious consequences. It could even have a big impact on your appearance, including your facial shape. How might that happen? This blog post explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease, Tooth Loss, and Bone Structure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease starts out as an infection in the pink tissue that surrounds the teeth. As the bacteria that cause the condition multiply, they can start to attack the underlying bone structure, causing the teeth to lose their base of support. In fact, the teeth can become so loose that they fall out or must be extracted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the jawbone no longer has tooth roots to stimulate it, a process known as resorption occurs. Essentially, this means that the body starts to recycle the jawbone\u2019s raw materials. The jawbone can become shorter, which leads to a shorter facial appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease and Facial Skin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Changes to the jawbone structure can do more than make your face appear shorter. The skin on the lower portion of your face may start to sag, leading to prominent jowls, deeper nasolabial folds, thinning lips, and the appearance of a constant scowl (even when the face is at rest).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aesthetic problems caused by gum disease, which may be referred to as \u201cfacial collapse\u201d have the potential to make you appear many years older than you really are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Preserve Your Appearance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The above information can paint a dire picture, but there is reason to be hopeful! Even if you are in the early stages of gum disease, you can take action to preserve or regain your oral health and maintain your facial shape. Here are some practical steps you can take:<\/p>\n\n\n\n