Tooth loss is a serious issue that affects millions of Americans each year. It can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, teeth misalignment, as well as other health problems such as malnutrition and even cancer. Understanding how tooth loss can occur, as well as its causes and effects, is essential in order to avoid it and maintain a healthy smile. In this blog, our dentist in Spokane Valley will tell you about what causes & effects of Tooth Loss.
CAUSES OF TOOTH LOSS
#1 – Cavities
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), tooth decay is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Cavities occur when bacteria and plaque accumulate in the mouth. If left untreated, tooth decay can cause loss of teeth.
To avoid tooth decay, it’s important to practice proper oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular checkups. Regular tooth brushing and flossing can help remove plaque and tartar buildup. Additionally, avoiding sugary foods and drinks can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
When you go to the dentist, they can diagnose tooth decay and provide treatments to help prevent tooth loss. If a tooth has already been severely damaged, they may recommend tooth extraction or a dental implant to replace the tooth.
#2 – Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is another common cause of tooth loss. It is caused by bacteria and plaque, which can harden into tartar if not removed regularly. This can lead to gingivitis, which can cause loss of teeth if left untreated.
Other causes of gum disease include tobacco use, diabetes, and certain medications. Its symptoms are easily identifiable, such as red and swollen gums, bleeding while brushing and flossing, and receding gums. Dealing with gum disease as early as possible is key to avoiding tooth loss. Your dentist can diagnose the disease and provide treatments to help restore your oral health.
#3 – Injury or Trauma
Injury or trauma can also lead to tooth loss. This could be caused by a car accident, physical assault, sports-related injury, or any other type of trauma. If the tooth is severely damaged, tooth extraction might be necessary in order to avoid infection and tooth decay.
If you or your child is into any type of contact sports or other physical activities, it is important to always wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from trauma. It is also important to seek immediate medical attention if any tooth is damaged due to this cause.
#4 – Eating Habits
Poor eating habits can also lead to tooth loss. Eating too much sugar, for instance, can cause tooth decay and loss. Additionally, acidic foods and drinks can also wear down tooth enamel. Limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as well as avoiding tooth-staining substances such as coffee and tea can help prevent tooth loss. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can also help protect tooth enamel.
#5 – Smoking or Teeth Grinding
Smoking and teeth grinding can also lead to tooth loss. Smoking can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth discoloration. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can wear down tooth enamel and lead to tooth fractures.
Avoiding cigarettes and chewing tobacco is the best way to prevent loss of teeth caused by smoking. Additionally, if you are a teeth grinder, your dentist can provide you with a mouthguard to help protect your teeth at night.
#6 – Age
As you may know, tooth loss can also be caused by age. As people age, tooth enamel wears down and tooth roots can get weak. Additionally, tooth decay can occur due to poor oral hygiene and not receiving regular dental care in many years.
It is important for seniors to continue practicing good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly. Doing so can help prevent tooth loss and keep teeth healthy as we age. They should also opt for restorative treatments such as tooth fillings and dental implants to protect any remaining tooth structure.
#7 – Health Issues
Lastly, tooth loss can be caused by certain health issues. These can include diabetes, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia.
If you have any of these health issues, it is important to discuss tooth loss prevention with your doctor or dentist. They may recommend a toothpaste with fluoride to help protect tooth enamel, as well as more frequent dental appointments for tooth cleaning and checkups.
EFFECTS OF TOOTH LOSS
#1 – Bone Loss
One of the most common effects of tooth loss is bone loss. When a tooth falls out, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation from tooth roots. Over time, this can lead to an extreme loss of bone density, which can result in facial changes and tooth misalignment.
Therefore, replacing missing teeth as soon as possible is very important to prevent bone loss. Dental implants and bridges are some of the available tooth replacement options that can help prevent bone loss in the jawbone.
#2 – Gum Recession
Gum recession is another common effect of tooth loss. When tooth roots are missing, gum tissue around the area can start to recede and weaken. This can cause tooth sensitivity, as well as pain and inflammation.
#3 – Poor Nutrition
Tooth loss can also cause poor nutrition due to difficulty eating certain foods. When tooth roots are missing, certain food may be too hard to chew. This can result in difficulty eating healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, which can lead to poor nutrition.
It is important for tooth loss sufferers to find tooth replacement options that can help restore their tooth function and make it easier to eat a balanced diet.
#4 – Appearance and Self-Esteem
Tooth loss can also affect a person’s appearance and self-esteem. To many people, tooth loss can be embarrassing and make them feel less attractive. Fortunately, tooth replacement options such as dental crowns in Spokane Valley and dentures can help restore tooth function and appearance.
#5 – Speech Problems
Lastly, tooth loss can cause speech problems. When teeth are missing, it can be difficult to form certain sounds properly. This can lead to slurred or mumbled speech.
Get Proper Treatment from a Dentist in North Spokane & Spokane Valley, WA
Having a complete, healthy smile is important, and tooth loss affects more than just your appearance. If you want to take care of your teeth and prevent tooth loss, it is important to visit your dentist in North Spokane & Spokane Valley, WA regularly.
At the Avenue Dental Care Cosmetic and Sedation Center, our dentists are dedicated to providing comprehensive, high-quality dental care for tooth damage prevention and treatment. To learn more about tooth loss and how we can help, contact us today. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile!