The first cause of losing a tooth.
46% of all lost teeth are caused by cavities. Similarly 46% are the result of periodontal disease (as investigated by the dentists' association in Kanagawa, Japan, '90 -' 91). The bacteria in plaque use the sugar in food as a nutrient and make acid that decalcifies teeth. On the other hand, periodontal disease tends to cause swelling and bleeding etc. by the toxins from the bacteria in the plaque. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis . If the inflammation progresses, it will become periodontal infection (pyorrhea).

How a cavity progresses

	Bacteria, such as streptococcus mutance (the cavity causing bacillus), make acid by eating the sugar in food as a source of nutrition, and dig into the surface of your tooth.
	Bacteria enter into a hole and advance inside the cavity. When it reaches the dentine, your tooth smarts from contact with cold or hot water.
	Furthermore, as the cavity worsens, the pulp chamber (nerve) deteriorates. The hole in your cavity enlarges and you feel more intense pain.
	Most of the crown parts disappear and only the dental root remains. Although the pulp chamber dies and pain is reduced, inflammation advances further.

How periodontal disease progresses.

	This is a state of chronic inflammation of the gums. The gums may become swollen, red and may bleed when hit by little stimulus (gingivitis).
	The more the gum inflammation progresses, the more the slot (pocket) between the teeth and gums begin to widen. Destruction of the alveolar bone also begins (periodontal infection).
	As the destruction of the alveolar bone progresses, the tooth loosens. It becomes difficult to chew hard food and the gum becomes flabbily. Pus comes out and bad breath also becomes severe.
	There is almost no alveolar bone left and the dental root is exposed. The tooth will be very loose. Finally, the tooth must be pulled out.