Tooth loss is something we all face as we get older, but it doesn?t have to happen?
Losing primary teeth as a child is normal, as these teeth make way for the strong adult teeth to easily erupt. Losing our adult teeth is not normal, and at Image Dental in Perth we are committed to helping you keep your smile for life. The consequences of untreated tooth loss are many, and can include:
- The shifting of remaining teeth in an attempt to close the gap
- A more difficult cleaning surface ? meaning your oral health suffers
- A higher risk of decay and periodontal disease
- A restricted diet
- A sagging appearance due to loss of structural support in the jaw
This is why it is important to book an appointment at our Perth dental practice as soon as possible if you have experienced tooth loss, as it can create devastating issues for your oral health.
If you are wondering why your tooth became loose in the first place, we at Image Dental have compiled the five main reasons some of our patients have lost their teeth. By knowing and understanding how these reasons can be prevented, we hope to help you save your smile!
Poor oral health?
A major player in tooth loss is the health of your mouth. If you do not brush your teeth morning and night every day, you are much more likely to experience tooth loss than those that maintain optimal oral health. Be sure to clean your teeth twice daily and floss at least once a day to keep your teeth and periodontal tissue healthy and strong.
Periodontal disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease is the leading cause for tooth loss in adults. This is because the health of your gums can severely affect the rest of your mouth. Periodontal disease can become severe periodontitis if left untreated, and this can dissolve the supporting tissues in the mouth such as your jawbone material, which can lead to tooth loss.
Tooth decay?
When bacteria are allowed to accumulate over your teeth, you set yourself up for a heightened risk of tooth decay. If you neglect your mouth by not cleaning it every day, this otherwise harmless accumulation then hardens to form plaque, which then turns to tartar and cannot be removed by brushing alone. This tartar eats away at your tooth enamel and eventually causes tooth decay, which can weaken the structure of your tooth and cause it to fall out.
Bruxism?
Tooth grinding is another major cause of tooth loss, as many Australians suffer from Bruxism and do not even know it! Often they grind their teeth at night, and this wears down the tooth enamel and exerts excess force onto your supportive tissues, which ultimately results in tooth loss.
Neglecting to replace missing teeth?
If you already have missing teeth, you are much more likely to experience even more tooth loss. Because your teeth depend on each other for structural support and to keep the periodontal tissues healthy, the loss of a tooth can spark a chain reaction. Your mouth is a delicate ecosystem with each element depending on the other for strength, integrity and structure. When this ecosystem becomes unbalanced, the teeth begin to weaken and become loose.
For a long-term solution to tooth loss visit us at Image Dental?
At Image Dental we understand the need to replace missing teeth promptly and effectively,