However, as we age the thought of tooth loss is extremely daunting. Tooth loss is feared as an adult because the results are often unnatural. There are various reasons why as adults, we lose our teeth:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Dental cavities
- Gum disease
- Smoking
Poor oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can lead to an array of problems in the mouth with the most severe being tooth loss. Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean to prevent any dental problems. There are so many preventative measures we can take to ensure that we don’t lose our teeth before our due date. It’s important to maintain a routine such as brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. Visiting a dentist is important to ensure you have no underlying problems.
Dental cavities
Dental cavities (dental caries) are little holes in the tooth that can grow bigger and deeper over time. Cavities are caused by the acids found in plaque that remove minerals in the tooth’s enamel. Cavities can be treated through the proper maintenance of a good oral hygiene routine and a healthy balanced diet.
Gum disease
Gum disease may be easier to notice than you first think. A sign of gum disease is bleeding when you brush your teeth which you may think is a common occurrence but it needs to be treated if it is ongoing.
Consistent bad breath is another sign of the disease which, in its early stages is known as gingivitis.
When gingivitis goes untreated you may develop a condition called periodontitis. It affects the tooth and subsequently moves on to attack the jaw. This can create small spaces in between the jaw and tooth which results in tooth loss if untreated.
Smoking
Smoking is an active factor in adult tooth loss. You can prevent tooth loss by quitting smoking or reducing your daily amount. Brushing and flossing teeth regularly is a must to ensure that any problems don’t arise or worsen. Smoking dangerously effects the immune system which can worsen any tooth problems.
Find us on Google maps