A stunning smile is the cornerstone of many people’s confidence, but healthy teeth require care. Comprehensive daily oral care is the key to total mouth health.
Despite the delicate balance required to keep your teeth in the best shape, many people don’t think about the possibility of losing teeth. But tooth loss doesn’t happen after skipping a few brushing sessions.
So what causes tooth loss? There are more underlying issues than you think. Here are a few common causes and how to fix tooth loss.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Tooth Loss?
Tooth loss doesn’t always happen overnight. In some cases, it can happen over months or even years; and the same issue does not cause all tooth loss. What causes tooth loss is different for everyone, so it’s essential to know the root cause for proper care.
Personal Health Issues
Overall health is essential to keep your body in the best condition. But poor health issues can affect your oral health as well. There are a few health issues that are risk factors for tooth loss.
It is well known that smoking and tobacco products can lead to tooth loss along with other health issues. But poor nutrition can also make your teeth weak and affect your overall dental health.
Diabetes puts you at higher risks for periodontitis and lowers your body’s ability to fight infections and heal, leading to tooth loss. Hypertension and arthritis are also major health issues that can cause you to lose your teeth.
Injury or Trauma
Everyday activities can put your dental health at risk. A significant injury or trauma can cause the tooth to die over a couple of days, several months, or even years. Accidents while playing sports, a fall, or a collision in your car all put you at risk of tooth loss.
That doesn’t mean you should shy away from your daily activities. Take precautions like wearing a mouthguard while playing sports to protect your teeth. You should also ensure your teeth stay healthy by eliminating bad habits that can cause teeth trauma.
Opening caps, lips, or tops with your teeth can do serious damage. So can using your teeth to tear or cut tags or thread. You should also shy away from chewing ice or popcorn kernels or opening nutshells with your teeth to keep your teeth intact.
Cavities
Cavities are a common tooth ailment that dentists know how to treat. Once you get a filling and go in for regular checkups, most cavities are no longer a problem. But in some cases, cavities can lead to losing teeth.
Caused by a bacterial infection, a cavity left untreated can turn to tooth decay. A cavity can destroy the pulp at the center of your teeth. This destruction may lead to a root canal or, in more severe cases, removing the tooth.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Also called periodontitis, this is a serious gum infection that leads to damage of gums and, in the most serious cases, may also destroy the jawbone.
Symptoms of periodontitis include gums that are swollen, red, or tender. This disease is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. So while this is a prevalent cause of tooth loss, it is preventable.
What Should You Do If Your Teeth Start Falling Out?
Losing your teeth can be a stressful experience as an adult. Not only is it a knock to your confidence, but it’s also detrimental to your oral health. A tooth out of its socket leaves you at risk for infection or teeth shifting.
In some cases, tooth loss can lead to long-term damage to your gums or jaw. If you do lose a tooth, there are a few steps you can take to prevent permanent tooth loss. If a tooth comes out, do not touch the tooth root; instead, grab it by the crown.
Rinse the tooth with water, milk, or a saline solution, and avoid wiping or scrubbing. You can try reinserting your tooth into its empty socket, but if that doesn’t work, protect the tooth and go to see your dentist or go to the ER immediately.
If you’re experiencing tooth loss and suspect it’s one of the above-mentioned causes, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
What Happens to Your Jaw When You Lose Your Teeth?
Tooth loss isn’t only a cosmetic issue. Empty sockets left untreated can lead to serious problems for your jaw that may require more extensive dental work. Your lower jaw may atrophy, shrinking in size and making your jaw bone weak with extended bone loss.
If this happens, your jawbone may not be able to support your remaining teeth. Losing your teeth may also lead to sinus problems or your bite being affected. In severe cases, you may experience facial collapse.
What Are the Best Solutions for Missing Teeth?
If you do experience major tooth loss, there are solutions to regain your smile. You can replace missing teeth with dental implants. Dental implants are like an artificial tooth that bond with your jawbone.
For a more overarching solution, implant-supported dentures or full mouth zirconia bridge implants are the ideal solution for missing teeth. These dentures are secured with dental implants and are more reliable than conventional dentures.
To find what solution is best for you after your tooth loss, consult a dental expert about dental implants for missing teeth or implant-supported dentures.
A Smile You Can Be Confident With
Your smile communicates your feelings and makes you feel confident. You deserve to have a smile you love that you don’t have to hide from the world. In order to have total oral health, you have to be diligent with your dental care.
It’s essential to maintain good oral health and see your dentist for regular checkups. If you aren’t careful, underlying issues can sneak up on you and lead to tooth loss. But if you do experience tooth loss, there are options available to fix it.
Gordon Dental Implants & Cosmetics is the best option when you require permanent tooth replacement. Dental implants are safe and look natural, leading to your best smile in years.
Ready to transform your smile? Please schedule a consultation and make an appointment with our expert cosmetic dentists in Leawood today.