Losing a tooth as an adult can happen for a number of reasons. At the Dental Centre of Conroe, we understand that our smiles often impact our self confidence, and that many adults may be embarrassed because of their missing teeth. To help you look and feel your best, we offer several tooth replacement options tailored to fit your needs, including different varieties of dental implants from individual teeth to full dentures. In today’s blog, your Conroe, TX, dentist will discuss some of the causes of tooth loss, and what you can do to avoid it.
Gum Disease: A Leading Cause
Gum disease affects about half of adults over 30. If caught in its original form, gingivitis, it is still fully reversible with the help of your dentist. With gingivitis, your gums may become red and swollen or bleed easily while brushing and flossing. However, it is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. This being the case, it is important to attend your regular checkups and cleanings at the dentist every six months so that Dr. Richards can examine your smile for any signs of gingivitis that you might miss. Unfortunately, if allowed to progress, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, an irreversible and dangerous form of gum disease which is a leading cause of tooth loss. Periodontitis is aggressive and destructive, causing rapid loss of bone and tissue. This disease often leads to losing teeth, so if you suspect you may have any form of gum disease, or if you’re due for a checkup, it is in your best interest to schedule a dentist visit as soon as possible.
Other Causes and Prevention
There are many other causes of tooth loss, including, but not limited to:
- Injury
- Tobacco Use
- Poor Nutrition
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Arthritis
Many causes of tooth loss can largely be prevented. Maintaining good oral hygiene at home by brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing once a day can help prevent gum disease and cavities. Refraining from using your teeth to open lids or tear off tags, as well as not chewing on hard things like ice and popcorn kernels can reduce your risk of tooth-related injuries. Avoiding smoking and other tobacco use, as well as making sure you are eating well and getting the essential vitamins that you and your teeth need to stay healthy can also aid in keeping your teeth healthy and intact. Of course, not all factors are avoidable, so it is always important to attend your regular dentist visits to ensure that any issues are caught early, before you lose a tooth, preventing the many other problems that are caused by tooth loss.
Keep Your Teeth Healthy
We recognize that the health of your smile can have a huge impact on your self esteem as well as your comfort and way of life. If you are at risk for tooth loss, due for a checkup, or if you are already missing teeth and would like to know your options, schedule a consultation by calling the Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX, today at (936) 441-4600. We also proudly serve patients who live in Houston, Magnolia, Huntsville, and all surrounding communities.