There are many things that can cause tooth loss. Preventative care is the most important step that anyone can take to ensure the health and vitality of their teeth. Failure to consistently take preventative measures against tooth loss can cause teeth to decay, or it can cause periodontal disease to form in the gumline.
Preventative care means more than simply brushing ones teeth. An individual should proactively visit a dentist at least once a year, even if he or she is not currently suffering from any noticeable dental conditions. A full dental examination and teeth cleaning is recommended to ensure the health of the persons mouth against the main causes of tooth loss.
Additionally, the individual should follow a rigorous program of home dental hygiene. This includes a healthy diet, brushing teeth at least twice daily, and using dental floss. Flossing is often the most neglected aspect of home dental care, but it is nonetheless one of the most important preventative measures a person can take against cavity formation. Without flossing, plaque will accumulate between teeth and allow bacteria which cause cavities to begin multiplying.
While everyone should do their best to practice self care, there are many people who in particular should do all they can to prevent tooth loss. These people are more at risk than others due to a number of causes and conditions.
Post-menopause in Women
Medical research has indicated that low estrogen levels, which are typical in women following menopause, contributes to a greater likelihood of gum disease. Gum disease, or Periodontitis, affects more than just gum tissue. Severe cases can affect the jawbone and cause tooth loss.
Osteoporosis or a Family History of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can decrease the density of jaws so that teeth no longer have a solid foundation in which to reside. This will cause them to become loose in many cases. For some reason, women are more prone to osteoporosis than men. Both women and men who suffer from osteoporosis should see a dentist twice a year for checkups and cleaning, and they should rigorously pursue home dental care.
Substance Abuse
We often think of substance abuse as pertaining only to illegal drugs. However, smoking and drinking alcohol daily (both chemicals and both toxic) can cause tooth loss. Smokeless tobacco is another chemical that places a person at higher risk for tooth loss because it absorbs directly into tissues of the gum. The CDC has reported that smokeless tobacco users are FOUR TIMES more vulnerable to tooth decay than smokers and non-tobacco users.
Genetic Predisposition to Periodontal Disease
Some people are more prone to develop gum disease than others. We do not know exactly why this is the case, but the gums will slowly and painlessly begin to separate from the base of the teeth. If this is not dealt with, the supporting bone tissue beneath the teeth will deteriorate and the teeth will become loose.
Misc other Causes
Tooth loss can also result from failure to consume enough calcium, the natural effects of aging, a lack of exercise, and, in some cases, it appears to be linked to an exceptionally slender build.
If you are among one of the above high-risk groups for tooth loss, call our office as soon as possible for a full dental examination. Let our team of experts recommend a preventative treatment plan that will prevent the cause before we have to recommend a more expensive and complicated cure.
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