No matter how strong and cavity-free your teeth are, if the periodontium that holds them in place isn't healthy, teeth can become loose or, in severe cases, need to be extracted.

The periodontium is made up of the ligament surrounding the tooth root, the jawbone, the gums, and cementum. When this area becomes inflamed and damaged, it's called periodontitis (gum disease).

When inflammation occurs, the gum bone (alveolar bone) gradually shrinks over time, weakening the force that supports your teeth.

If you think, 'Let me hold out a little longer' and put it off, the inflammation can spread and damage the surrounding bone, so several teeth may need to be removed.

Also, if a gap is left for a long time after a tooth is extracted, the height and thickness of the bone in that area shrink, which can make implant placement difficult.

If a tooth was extracted due to periodontal disease or injury, a bone graft may be needed before placing an implant. An implant is a structure that replaces the tooth root, so the surrounding bone must be solid for it to be anchored securely.

In particular, for areas with strong chewing force, such as the molars, it's best to fill in missing bone before placing the implant.

With periodontitis, prevention matters far more than treatment. Its main causes, plaque and tartar, build up in places a toothbrush can't easily reach, so regular scaling and checkups are the most effective way to manage it.

Also, if you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, inflammation can occur more easily, so oral checkups are a must.