Tooth Loss: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Tooth Loss

What to Do if You Are Experiencing Tooth Loss?

What should you do if you are experiencing tooth loss? Is it a dental emergency? Let’s answer the latter first. Yes, tooth loss is something that requires emergency dental care. If left untreated, the holes in the enamel will only get deeper and more prominent. This can often lead to discomfort and pain. It can also lead to infection and further tooth loss.

So, visiting a dentist like this cosmetic dentist in Cleveland is the best thing you can do when experiencing tooth loss. So, if you need emergency dental services, you can click here for more information. Until you can get your tooth emergency settled, try holding your tooth in place by biting down on a soft piece of fabric gently.

Now, let us see what some of the most common tooth loss causes are.

What Are the Causes of Tooth Loss?

Tooth loss can be a real bother, and it can affect all age groups. Here are some of the common causes.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease is the chief culprit when it comes to tooth loss in adults. About 70% of missing teeth among adults can be blamed on periodontal disease.

Inflammation and bacteria are usually the first signs of gum disease. Actually, it affects the gums primarily, hence the name, but it can also affect your teeth. With the gum tissues destroyed, the teeth lose support and eventually fall out.

Poor Oral Hygiene

This is an obvious one, but bad oral hygiene is known to cause tooth loss. It can lead to infections, and, as mentioned previously, periodontal disease. Maintaining your oral hygiene and going to the dentist at least twice a year is crucial.

Bad Eating Habits

Bad eating habits are the cause of many oral health problems. Acidic, sugary foods can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and eventually tooth loss. So, be sure to eat foods rich in fibers and calcium, such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

Cavities

Poor oral hygiene and poor eating habits lead to cavities. And, cavities are a nightmare. If left uncared for, a cavity will spread to the center, which will harm the pulp of your tooth. The pulp will be entirely destroyed, at which point you will need to have the tooth removed.

Physical Injuries

Accidents during sports, physical activities, and everyday tasks are common, and they are also a common cause of tooth loss. While these types of injuries are unpredictable, there are still some things within your control. For example, you should always wear protective gear and mouth guards when playing certain sports. And you should also refrain from using your teeth to remove lids or open bottles.

Damaging Behaviours

Harmful behaviors like tooth grinding, or smoking can also be detrimental in the long run. Tooth grinding, or bruxism, can oftentimes occur while you are sleeping. If you suspect you might be a tooth grinder, you should consult a dentist about it.

Smoking is bad for your overall health, but it might even become a reason for an emergency dentist appointment. Smoking can not only cause gum disease but even mask its symptoms. That can lead to tooth loss over time.

Other Conditions

Certain conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and hypertension can also be risk factors for tooth loss. If you happen to have these conditions, be sure to notify your dentist about it.

How to Prevent Tooth Loss?

If your teeth have been kinda loose, or you’re suffering from gum disease, there are still things you can do to try and fix the situation.

Medications

Fluoride treatment, as well as mouth rinses, are good for helping your gums heal. They can also fight off the bacteria in your mouth and help strengthen your teeth.

Scaling and Root Planing

This procedure is extremely viable when it comes to treating and reversing periodontal disease. The first step of this deep cleaning procedure is removing plaque from the teeth. After that, the teeth are scaled, which helps reattach your teeth to your gums.

Surgery

Surgically removing bone and gum tissue that has been damaged by periodontal disease is also an option. It’s a good method for conserving and restoring your smile.

Dental Appliances

Bite splints and similar appliances are a good option if you happen to be a teeth grinder. They can severely reduce grinding damage. Plus, they’re also good for helping your mouth heal after surgery.

Grafts

There are two types of grafts: bone grafts, and soft tissue grafts. Bone grafts are viable for rebuilding bone you’ve lost due to periodontal disease. And, soft tissue grafts can prevent gum and tooth loss in periodontal patients.

Tooth Loss Treatment

Tooth loss isn’t unfixable. Sure, most of the time, you won’t be able to salvage your teeth. However, you can do the second best thing and get new ones! So, here are a few treatment options.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are great for replacing your missing teeth, and they’re also the most commonly used method. Implants are a favored method due to the fact that they can be both permanent and removable.

They’re your best option if you’re only missing a tooth or two since your neighboring teeth will stay intact. If you’re concerned about aesthetics, it’s good to know that dental implants both feel and look natural. And, once they’re in, they can last you a lifetime.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a great non-removable option. There are a few different types of bridges: traditional dental bridges, implant-supported bridges, cantilever bridges, and Maryland bonded bridges. Dental bridges are very popular due to their ability to imitate your natural teeth, both aesthetically and functionally.

Dentures

Lastly, we have dentures. Dentures are a stellar choice if you have several missing teeth. They can replace both your teeth and the tissue surrounding them. And, depending on your needs, you can opt for full or partial dentures. Dentures are also easily removable and inexpensive.

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