Tooth loss is never something that we plan for but there is a surprisingly large list of reasons why it could happen to you. These days, there is a range of options to help you recover and to replace a missing tooth, but we all want to avoid that emergency trip to the dentist if we can help it! Here are the most common causes for adults to lose a tooth, and a few tips on how you can avoid them.
Gum Disease
You would have thought that sustaining a physical injury would be the most common cause of tooth loss in adults, but no! Gum disease, otherwise known as periodontitis, still tops the list, and while it is common, it can be avoided, and it can be treated.
Gum disease occurs when bacteria start to accumulate on your teeth and gums. Inflammation quickly follows, and your gum tissue starts to sustain damage. This is known as gingivitis, and if you don’t take care of it, pockets full of bacteria will start to form and tooth loss will quickly follow. Good dental hygiene will prevent this from happening, and regular trips to the dentist will help.
Injury
Losing a tooth, or several teeth, through injury can be traumatic. Whether it’s through a fall, playing sports, or the result of a more severe accident, there is always the rush of panic as you try to remember what to do. In terms of prevention, it’s always a good idea to wear a mouthguard if you do play competitive sports or do other forms of exercise, such as boxing, which pose a risk to your teeth.
If the dentist cannot reattach the tooth, then a dental implant may be recommended. A dental implant is a permanent solution that cuts out the risk of further bone loss and changes to your face. You can learn more about dental implants and their benefits by visiting Pure Dentistry.
Having Risk Factors In Your Lifestyle
We mentioned gum disease, but factors like smoking or chewing tobacco are big drivers when it comes to teeth loss. There are, of course, many reasons why you should cut smoking out of your lifestyle but risking tooth loss is definitely one of them. Poor nutrition can also be a factor. Watch how much sugar you are consuming and make sure that you are eating a balanced diet with plenty of vitamin C and D. Obesity can also increase the risk of losing teeth.
Disease And Aging
You’re not always going to be able to control the forces that lead to the loss of teeth. Illnesses such as diabetes, Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis can all result in tooth loss, as can those diseases that target your immune system, such as HIV and leukaemia. Cancer treatment may result in tooth loss. Finally, as we get older, the more likely we are to lose our teeth. Regular visits to the dentist will cut out a lot of risk factors, and they can also talk you through replacement options should it come to it.
