
- by Dr. Ravneet Dhillon
- December 5, 2022
Teeth play a vital role in maintaining your face aesthetics and giving you confidence. Many people tend to worry about the health of their teeth and tooth loss.
Maintaining good oral health routine visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings are important to not only prevent many tooth diseases but also to avoid tooth loss.
Being aware of the top causes of tooth loss can help you go a long way to keep your teeth and smile healthy.
The top causes of tooth loss include:
- Gum disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is the cause of tooth loss among adults and accounts for almost 70 percent causes of tooth loss.
Beginning with bacteria accumulation on the teeth, which can cause inflammation in the gums, gum disease destroys the gum tissues as it progresses. It can also destroy the jawbone beneath the gums, resulting in la ack of support for the teeth.
The first phase of gum disease is gingivitis which is fairly common, with almost half of adults experiencing it at some point.
However, it can be reversed with adequate care. But when left untreated, pockets between the tooth and gum can form and fill up with harmful bacteria, transforming into gum disease.
Getting rid of bacteria in the mouth becomes impossible after the disease sets in and can result in causes of tooth loss.
- Cavities
Cavities are holes in teeth that are caused due to tooth decay caused by a bacterial infection. If left untreated, these can damage the enamel and the pulp in the center of the tooth, necessitating a root canal or removal of the tooth.
Cavities can be prevented by practicing good oral health habits and hygiene, opting for healthy foods & drinks, and ensuring regular dental checkups to ensure their early detection as early treatment can help to save your tooth.
At Morgan Hill Dentistry which is an emergency dental clinic, we offer the best dental services and can help you fight gum disease and help prevent tooth loss.
- Physical Injury or Trauma
Accidents can happen anywhere, especially while playing sports or outdoor activities, making it important to use mouthguards
Tooth loss can also be caused due to falls, car accidents, and more. Being vigilant and alert can help to avoid some common causes of tooth loss or damage through accidents.
One must never use teeth to remove caps, tops, or lids from jars, open knots, tear off tags, or for cutting thread. One must also avoid chewing ice, opening nut shells, or chewing on popcorn kernels to ensure the safety of your teeth
- Certain Diseases
Some diseases make you more prone to gum disease and tooth loss. These include hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis. The risks of these diseases can be combated by regular visits to the dentist and discussing with them the health factors that could impact your oral health.
Also read : Oral Health- A Key to Overall Health
What are the Risk factors of tooth loss?
There are a few factors that can make you more prone to losing teeth. These include
- Age more than 35 years
- Being a Male
- Lack of professional dental care
- Not using a toothbrush
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Poor nutrition
It is also imperative to mention here that according to studies, the front teeth are usually more likely to be lost because of gum disease than teeth at the back of the mouth.
You cannot control your age and sex but things like whether you brush your teeth properly, visit dental professionals regularly or smoke is totally in your hands
Be sure to mention any diseases and lifestyle factors to your dentist so you can work together to prevent tooth loss.
Why is Proper Oral Care Routine important?
Maintaining good oral hygiene is an important factor in preserving the health of your teeth, gums, and your overall health as it can prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria. One must brush at least twice with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily.
Using toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride can also help protect your teeth against cavities.
Be regular with your dental checkups. Visit your dentist at least every six months or even more if needed.
Pay attention to what you eat. Eat healthy, balanced meals and limit the consumption of sugary drinks, candies, coffee, tea, etc as these can mix with the harmful bacteria in your mouth, causing cavities and perhaps gum disease.
A word from Morgan Hill Dentistry
We understand that tooth loss is a major concern for people, but the good news is that the advancements in the dental field are helping people conserve their oral health more efficiently than ever before.
Good oral hygiene and regular visits to dentists can help avoid tooth loss and other dental problems. A visit to Morgan Hill Dentistry provides you with good advice regarding your oral health and also gives our experts a chance to detect any early signs of disease.
Remember a little caution can go a long way in conserving your oral health and smile
Know about the more causes of tooth loss Stay tuned!