Common and Uncommon Causes of Tooth Loss
There are many causes of tooth loss. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself against tooth loss is to take consistent, proactive care of yourself. Failure to take preventative measures can cause your teeth to decay, or it can contribute to periodontal disease.
Preventative care involves more than simply brushing your teeth. You must visit a dentist at least once a year, even if you think your teeth are ok. We recommend you get a full dental examination and teeth cleaning to protect you against the main causes of tooth loss.
You also need to follow a rigorous program of home dental hygiene. This includes a healthy diet, brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and flossing. You may not like to floss, but it is one of the most things you can do to prevent cavities. Without flossing, plaque will accumulate between your teeth and give cavity-causing bacteria an environment in which to grow.
While everyone needs to do their practice self care, there are many individuals who must be particularly aggressive in preventing the causes of tooth loss. These people are more at risk because of a number of medical conditions.
Post-menopause in Women
Research has proven that the low estrogen levels (typical after menopause) make a woman more vulnerable to gum disease, (also known as Periodontitis). This condition affects more than gum tissue. Severe cases can also deteriorate the jawbone and cause tooth loss.
Osteoporosis or a Family History of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can diminish the density of jaws, causing teeth to lose their solid foundation and become loose. Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. Anyone men who suffers from osteoporosis should see a dentist twice a year for checkups and cleaning and must rigorously pursue home dental care.
Substance Abuse
We often stereotype substance abuse as the use of illegal drugs. However, tobacco and drinking alcohol (both chemicals--and both toxic) can cause tooth loss. Smokeless tobacco is a chemical that places a person at very high risk for tooth loss because it absorbs directly into tissues of the gum. The CDC has published statistics indicating that smokeless tobacco users are FOUR TIMES more likely to suffer from tooth decay than smokers and non-tobacco users.
Genetic Predisposition to Periodontal Disease
Many people are more prone to develop gum disease than others. We do not know exactly why this is so, but their gums will slowly and painlessly begin to pull away from the base of the teeth. If this is not addressed, the supporting bone tissue beneath the teeth will deteriorate and the teeth will become loose.
Misc other Causes
Tooth loss can also happen because the person does not consume enough calcium. The natural effects of aging, a lack of exercise, and, in some cases, an exceptionally slender build are also contributing factors in some people.
If you are among any of these high-risk groups for tooth loss, call our office immediately for a full dental exam. Let our team of dentists recommend a treatment plan that will prevent the cause before we have to treat a major dental condition after the fact.
Preventative care involves more than simply brushing your teeth. You must visit a dentist at least once a year, even if you think your teeth are ok. We recommend you get a full dental examination and teeth cleaning to protect you against the main causes of tooth loss.
You also need to follow a rigorous program of home dental hygiene. This includes a healthy diet, brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and flossing. You may not like to floss, but it is one of the most things you can do to prevent cavities. Without flossing, plaque will accumulate between your teeth and give cavity-causing bacteria an environment in which to grow.
While everyone needs to do their practice self care, there are many individuals who must be particularly aggressive in preventing the causes of tooth loss. These people are more at risk because of a number of medical conditions.
Post-menopause in Women
Research has proven that the low estrogen levels (typical after menopause) make a woman more vulnerable to gum disease, (also known as Periodontitis). This condition affects more than gum tissue. Severe cases can also deteriorate the jawbone and cause tooth loss.
Osteoporosis or a Family History of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can diminish the density of jaws, causing teeth to lose their solid foundation and become loose. Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. Anyone men who suffers from osteoporosis should see a dentist twice a year for checkups and cleaning and must rigorously pursue home dental care.
Substance Abuse
We often stereotype substance abuse as the use of illegal drugs. However, tobacco and drinking alcohol (both chemicals--and both toxic) can cause tooth loss. Smokeless tobacco is a chemical that places a person at very high risk for tooth loss because it absorbs directly into tissues of the gum. The CDC has published statistics indicating that smokeless tobacco users are FOUR TIMES more likely to suffer from tooth decay than smokers and non-tobacco users.
Genetic Predisposition to Periodontal Disease
Many people are more prone to develop gum disease than others. We do not know exactly why this is so, but their gums will slowly and painlessly begin to pull away from the base of the teeth. If this is not addressed, the supporting bone tissue beneath the teeth will deteriorate and the teeth will become loose.
Misc other Causes
Tooth loss can also happen because the person does not consume enough calcium. The natural effects of aging, a lack of exercise, and, in some cases, an exceptionally slender build are also contributing factors in some people.
If you are among any of these high-risk groups for tooth loss, call our office immediately for a full dental exam. Let our team of dentists recommend a treatment plan that will prevent the cause before we have to treat a major dental condition after the fact.
Labels: causes of tooth loss, dental hygeine, loose teeth, preventative dental care
posted by Dental Expert at
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