When people talk about tooth loss, they generally think of their children. While children can lose a tooth and grow another, adult tooth loss is very serious and has a lasting effect on oral health. Everything you need to know about tooth loss will help you understand its seriousness.
What is Tooth Loss
Tooth loss is like pulling the last Jenga piece before the rest fall. Your teeth are so close together because they help support each other. Once one tooth is removed, it leaves a gap for other teeth to fill. They do this by shifting to fill that space. While you can’t feel or see the teeth moving, at some point, it can affect your chewing and teeth alignment.
Tooth Loss Symptoms
Symptoms of tooth loss occur over time. Contact your dentist at the first sign of these.
Halitosis—Bad breath is not morning breath; it is fouler and lingers after you brush your teeth. It is usually caused by bacteria in your mouth that break down proteins, which produces a foul smell. Poor oral hygiene is also a cause of bad breath.
Swollen gums— Are very sensitive and may bleed as you brush your teeth. Some people can feel tightness in their gums as they swell. Tartar and plaque are irritants to your gums. If they are not removed, swollen gums result.
Toothache—Once you have cavities, you are at risk for toothache. Toothaches are painful and can cause swelling of your face and jaw. If untreated, they can lead to an abscess (a pocket of infection that causes painful swelling in and outside your mouth).
Bleeding gums – Bleeding gums are caused by gingivitis and periodontic disease. The gums bleed, swell, and are painful. You will see blood when brushing or flossing. Call your dentist to schedule a visit immediately if your gums are bleeding.
Tooth Loss Causes
The causes of tooth loss are closely related to the symptoms.
Tooth decay is the number one cause of tooth loss. By the time you feel that telltale zing tin a tooth, the decay has already been established. Poor oral health leads to cavities, but factors like dry mouth, smoking, and some medications can speed up decay.
Trauma to the mouth can be caused by getting hit in the mouth or not wearing a mouthguard during sports. Chewing ice damages teeth, and using your teeth like a tool can also damage them.
Bruxism, or grinding your teeth, is done unconsciously, especially in your sleep. The pressure created when your teeth nash together is enough to fracture a tooth and grind down its surface, leaving you prone to tooth decay and dental trauma.
Risk Factors for Tooth Loss
Chronic Conditions—Chronic illnesses make you prone to tooth loss. Uncontrolled diabetes, high Blood Pressure, bone disease, and rheumatoid arthritis can accelerate gum disease. Some autoimmune diseases also put you at risk for tooth loss.
Poor lifestyle choices—Poor nutrition is a catalyst for tooth loss. Not having enough healthy foods rich in Vitamins D, C, A, and calcium can trigger tooth loss.
Smoking – Tobacco use, whether cigarettes, cigars, vaping, or chewing tobacco, increases your chances threefold compared to non-smoking and is a primary contributor to tooth loss.
Poor Oral Hygiene – If you haven’t been brushing and flossing regularly and don’t have regular dental check-ups, you can expect tooth decay.
Dry Mouth—The most common cause of dry mouth is medications such as antidepressants, hypertension, muscle relaxers, and pain medication.
Hormones – Menopause puts you at risk for loss of bone in your jaw, your gums receding, and a decline in saliva production, leading to tooth loss.
Complications of Tooth Loss
Bone Loss begins as soon as the tooth is gone. Without the message to your bones to continue, the bones cease growing. Bone loss also affects the gums, causing the gums to recede and exposing the tooth at a deeper level.
Lower Self-esteem caused by embarrassment that your tooth or teeth are missing can cause you not to be as social or smile.
Pronunciation Issues: Depending on the number of teeth you lost and where in the mouth the loss is located, words will sound different as you pronounce them.
Issues Chewing caused by missing and shifting teeth leads to chewing on one side vs. the other. Poorly chewed food creates digestive issues.
Shifting or moving teeth happens as the tooth next to the gap moves to find support from other teeth. The tooth can end up crooked, causing malalignment, which can cause TMD, a painful condition that affects the muscles and ligaments of the jawbone.
Tooth Loss Treatments
Missing adult teeth should be replaced. There are several treatments to stop tooth loss.
- Bridge: A bridge spans three teeth that attach to the teeth on either side of the lost tooth. The center crown replaces the missing tooth. It is essentially a placeholder for the tooth to decrease teeth mobility.
- Dentures: A set of dentures replaces the upper and lower teeth. If you have no teeth on the top but teeth on the bottom, you can have a partial denture made.
- Dental Implants: Implants are made to last a long time. The tooth’s base is attached to the jawbone and capped with a crown.
Tooth Loss Prevention
While not all tooth loss can be prevented, a good oral hygiene routine will help immensely.
- Wearing a mouthguard can prevent bruxism and tooth trauma during sports
- Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush twice daily
- Floss your teeth at least daily
- Limit sweet, sugary drinks and food
- See your dentist for checkups and cleanings
A good dental regimen to maintain oral health will save you time and money while boosting your self-esteem.
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