Understanding Tooth Loss and How to Prevent It Q&A

There are many causes of tooth loss, some of which if you maintain your oral health with routine visits and regular dental check-ups, you can control the health of your teeth. A few of the most common causes of tooth loss are:

Gum disease
Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. This disease is the number one cause of tooth loss among adults in America.

Gum disease begins when bacteria and information occur in the gums. As it begins to progress, it starts to destroy the gums tissues as well as the jawbone located underneath the gums, this results in no support left to hold onto the teeth.

Cavities
Cavities occur in the teeth due to a bacterial infection that turns into tooth decay. Tooth decay causes holes to occur in the teeth which is what we know as cavities. If a cavity is left untreated, it will continue to destroy the tooth until it reaches the pulp, which is the center of the tooth, and this will likely result in you needing a root canal or tooth removal.

To prevent cavities from occurring, you’ll need to follow a positive oral health routine, like eating healthy foods and drinks and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.

Dental trauma
Dental trauma can occur from accidents like falls, car accidents, and sports injuries. To avoid dental trauma which may result in tooth loss, do not use your teeth to help loosen knots, remove caps, lids, or tops on items, tear off tags, or use your teeth to cut thread. Try not to use her teeth to bite into anything hard like chewing ice, popcorn kernels, or to open nutshells.

Other diseases and risk factors
While periodontist disease, cavities, and dental trauma are some of the main causes of tooth loss, other risk factors that can lead to tooth loss include:

● Diabetes
● Arthritis
● Hypertension
● Poor nutrition
● Smoking

Most adults have on average 32 teeth unless they’ve had their wisdom teeth removed. Many tend to focus on their smile zone, which is the very forefront of your teeth that people see; however, each tooth within the mouth serves an important purpose. Your teeth help you to bite, chew your food, speak correctly, and provide a beautiful smile.

To keep your teeth healthy, and without damage or disease, you can follow these few tips to help prevent tooth loss:

● Eat a more nutritious, tooth-friendly diet
● Eat foods that prevent tooth decay like crunchy vegetables and fruits.
● Brush your teeth properly
● Brushing your teeth twice, a day, and using the proper technique can help effectively remove plaque and tartar

Floss each day
There are many different options available when it comes to helping you floss your teeth, including traditional string floss, water flossers, and string picks. This is one step you should never miss.

Visit your dentist for regular exams and cleanings
Regular exams and cleanings offer the best chance to catch any dental issues earlier on, well also minimize the risk of gum disease and cavities.

Try not to drink as many acidic beverages
Drinking acidic beverages like pop/soda or juice is known to destroy your teeth. If you must have either, drink it all immediately, and follow it up with a big glass of water to help restore the pH balance within the mouth.

Talk to your dentist about dry mouth
Dry mouth can often occur due to certain medical conditions, It is best to bring this dental issue up to your dentist, it’s either to get treatment or to look for any issues.

Don’t use your teeth as tools
Teeth are not tools, do not use them to open packages, or lids, rip off tags, or anything else.

Use a mouthguard when playing sports
Wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from sports injuries where you are at a higher risk of losing a tooth, fracturing a tooth, or cracking it.

Talk to your dentist about teeth grinding
Many don’t even know they are grinding their teeth at night, some signs of teeth grinding include worn-out teeth and constant headaches.

Replace teeth that you were previously lost
Tooth replacement methods like dental implants can keep the jawbone and ligaments healthy and strong and hold your other teeth in place.

Make an appointment with Dr. Daniel if you start experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling in and around the mouth.

Dr. Karima Daniel can help with regular check-ups, cleanings, and proper oral health maintenance. For more information, contact us, or request an appointment online today! We are conveniently located at 515 West Ave Suite R, Norwalk CT, 06850. We serve patients from Norwalk CT, Stamford CT, Westport CT, Darien CT, Rowayton CT, Wilton CT, New Caanan CT, Fairfield CT, and Bridgeport, CT.