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Know anyone who is missing teeth?
With 120 million Americans missing at least one tooth, it’s fairly likely that you do. We can lose teeth for a variety of reasons, most of which are preventable with excellent oral care at home. Discover some of the most common reasons why people lose their teeth and consider how you might prevent those conditions.
The 2 Most Common Causes of Tooth Loss
Ever wonder how people lose their permanent teeth? While athletic injuries account for some dental injuries, it’s far more common to lose teeth to damaging dental conditions. Check out the following causes of tooth loss in order from most to least frequent:
1. Dental Caries (Cavities)
When bacteria accumulates on the teeth they form a sticky film known as plaque. The starches and sugars we consume combine with this bacteria and become acids. These acids cause irreparable damage to your enamel, which is the outer-layer of your teeth. Once they’ve penetrated your enamel, they destroy your tooth’s inner dentin, and a cavity develops. Since cavities are craters or holes in your teeth, it’s easy to see how they can lead to tooth loss.
Treat Your Cavities Before they Destroy Your Teeth!
The good thing about cavities is that they are highly treatable. Composite fillings are often used to fill in deep cavities, but bonding solutions can fulfill the same purpose. In cases where a tooth is painful or heavily damaged, a root canal may be used as a last resort option to save the tooth. If cavities become so severe that the structure of the tooth can’t be salvaged, then extraction becomes the most likely solution.
2. Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)
The other major culprit behind lost teeth is periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease. Gum disease begins with inflammation in the tissues surrounding the base of the teeth, and continues with receding gums and tooth loss if left untreated. With the exception of certain medications and diseases, gum disease is largely preventable with proper oral care at home.
Understanding the 3 Stages of Periodontal Disease
- Gingivitis
Characterized by plaque build-up at the gum line, gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease. If plaque remains on the teeth each day, it produces toxins that irritate the gums and becomes gingivitis. Fortunately, gingivitis is highly treatable with proper dental care.
- Periodontitis
The most distinguishing factor about periodontitis is that permanent damage has been done to the fibers securing your teeth into their natural position. For that reason, it’s common to feel your teeth becoming loose when you suffer from periodontitis.
- Advanced Periodontitis
When advanced periodontitis has taken hold, it means that periodontitis was neglected and the tissue and bone at the base of your tooth is destroyed. Drastic treatments are often required at this point so it’s best to stop gum disease in its earlier stages when possible.
Visit Smile Creator of Bingham Farms to Enhance Your Smile
We want you to follow all excellent dental advice and keep your natural teeth healthy and strong for a long time. But if you do end up missing a tooth or all of them, Dr. Kosinski has the most effective restorative options and will choose the best one to suit your needs. Contact Smile Creator of Bingham Farms today to see how we can enhance your smile!