Losing permanent teeth can lead to serious problems for your oral health, from alignment to the stability of your remaining teeth. How do we prevent tooth loss? First, we need to understand the causes of missing teeth and take steps to help protect our smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventing Tooth Loss
Question: Does poor oral health lead to missing teeth?
Answer: Yes. When we don’t care for our smiles, tooth decay can develop. Without treatment, decay can eventually cause infection, threatening the stability of the teeth. Advanced gum disease also known as periodontitis, can actually dissolve the connective tissue between the teeth and gums, leading to adult tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is the largest factor behind missing teeth.
Question: What other factors lead to tooth loss?
Answer: Injury to the tooth or face and bruxism (teeth grinding) can also lead to tooth loss.
Question: How do I maintain a healthy smile?
Answer: Good oral health can help you avoid infections and periodontitis. We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. We also suggest seeing the dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. Finally, we urge patients to avoid using tobacco products. These steps can help reduce the risk of decay, infection, and periodontal disease, limiting the risk of missing teeth.
Question: When should I see a dentist?
Answer: We suggest seeing the dentist if you notice any tooth sensitivity, toothaches, or if your gums feel sore or bleed easily. Addressing these possible warning signs can help protect your smile. If you have any questions about preventing lost teeth, give our office a call. Remember, we can also help replace missing teeth with lifelike implants or dentures.
