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Tooth loss detracts from your quality of life in several ways. For instance, you might feel self-conscious about your appearance, develop a lisp or slur, or struggle to chew healthy foods, like raw fruits and veggies.
Your dentist can restore your smile with full or partial dentures, but many younger people feel embarrassed about their dental condition or worry they’re too young to replace missing teeth. However, there’s no age requirement for closing the gaps in your grin. Continue reading to learn about 3 problems that can cause tooth loss at any time so that you can avoid them!
Issue #1: Poor Oral Hygiene
Did you know that periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? This advanced stage of gum disease causes your connective tissues to recede to escape the infection, leaving your pearly whites without anything to anchor them in place.
Thankfully, periodontal problems can often be avoided by practicing proper preventive care. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily removes plaque and bacteria that contribute to decay, disease, and other damage.
You should also visit your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning so they can identify and treat any areas of concern, like thinning enamel or swollen gums, before they worsen.
Issue #2: Dietary Decisions
Your dietary decisions significantly impact your dental health, and if you consume a lot of sugary or acidic foods, you’re not doing your mouth any favors. Although this might satisfy your sweet tooth, it also attracts harmful germs that produce acids that can erode your enamel or penetrate your gums or jawbone. If left unaddressed, this can eventually weaken the foundation of your mouth, causing it to no longer support your teeth.
Eating a wholesome diet full of healthy ingredients can support your overall and oral well-being. For instance, most dairy products have lots of calcium for strong teeth and bones, and many citrus fruits and leafy greens are high in vitamin C to support your connective tissues.
Issue #3: Physical Trauma
Unfortunately, athletes or people of any age who participate in high-contact sports or activities are prone to sustaining injuries that can hurt their smiles. For example, if you take a strong enough blow to the face, the force of impact could destabilize or dislodge a tooth, not to mention lacerate the tender tissues in your mouth.
Thankfully, your dentist can provide a custom-fitted mouthguard to provide extra cushion to protect your teeth from harm.
Although many dental problems can be prevented, it’s possible to suffer tooth loss and require replacements at any point in life. Fortunately, your provider can create lifelike dentures designed to fit like a glove to rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality, no matter how old you are!
Meet the Author
Dr. Christopher Cowell has over twenty years of experience helping patients improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association, to stay on top of current treatments and techniques. He can help with everything from basic preventive care to designing replacement teeth made to look and feel as natural as possible. You can request an appointment on the website or call (386) 734-8585.