8 Most Common Causes of Tooth Loss

It’s uncomfortable to watch someone try to hide their missing teeth.  It’s also uncomfortable to be the one who’s trying to hide them. Don’t let that be you.  Use this list of the 8 most common causes of tooth loss to evaluate whether or not you’re doing everything you can to keep your teeth for as long as possible.  

1) Poor oral hygiene leads to tooth loss

There’s a reason your dentist and your parents have always told you to brush twice a day and floss daily – it helps keep your teeth healthy. When you lapse in your oral maintenance routine, it impacts your dental health. And poor dental health increases the likelihood of tooth loss.

2) Gum disease can lead to lost teeth

Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss across the globe.  Poor oral hygiene is not the only factor that increases your chance of developing gum disease. Tobacco use, stress, poor diet, and even genetics can play a role. Talk to your dentist about the state of your gums and ask what you can do to keep them in great shape.

3) Trauma can cause you to lose a tooth

People sometimes get their teeth get knocked out in accidents or while playing contact sports. But the injury isn’t always immediately evident.  Sometimes the trauma takes place in the root where you can’t see it, and an infection later develops. This may result in the reabsorption of the tooth root. It’s important to see a dentist when you experience mouth trauma, even if you don’t see an obvious injury.

4) Untreated cavities can mean missing teeth

Tooth decay left unchecked often leads to tooth loss. It’s important that you visit the dentist to address any and all cavities. We know it’s not high on your list of fun things to do, but we promise it’s a lot more fun than losing a tooth.

5) Poor nutrition can lead to tooth loss

A diet lacking in essential nutrients affects your whole immune system. And people with weak immune systems are at risk for periodontal disease, which we’ve already mentioned increases your chances of tooth loss. Eating a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and calcium-rich foods is a good place to start. If you have questions about how your diet may be affecting your teeth, talk to your dentist.   

6) Smoking can make you lose teeth

Smoking poses so many health risks it’s a wonder anyone still does it. And just in case you need another reason to quit, we’ll remind you that smoking also leads to tooth loss.  In fact, one study showed that men lose 2.9 teeth for every 10 years they smoke, and women lose 1.5 teeth per decade of smoking.  Other studies show that smokers are twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers. Why risk it? If you’re having trouble quitting smoking on your own, please seek help.  

7) Missing teeth can mean more missing teeth!

No. This is no typo. If you don’t replace your missing teeth, you’re at risk of losing more. Not only will your remaining teeth shift, causing gum problems and higher risk of further tooth loss, but you’ll also put more pressure on those remaining teeth and make them vulnerable to fracture. Dental implants are a great solution for missing teeth.  You can use them to replace a single tooth or several, and they’ll help save your remaining natural teeth.

8) Irregular visits to the dentist can lead to tooth loss

When you visit the dentist every six months, it’s not just for the sake of the cleaning.  These regular visits allow your dentist to examine your teeth and keep an eye out for potential issues that you need to be aware of. For example, if you have a small cavity, your dentist can fill it before it grows big enough to require more than a simple fix. Or your dentist might notices signs of gingivitis, inflammation that points to the initial stage of gum disease. When caught early and treated, you can avoid periodontal disease. But without your regular visits to the dentist, you may be missing crucial information that can help you avoid serious issues that lead to tooth loss.

Call and make your appointment at Town Center Dentistry today!

We know you’d rather be out playing golf or otherwise basking in the Southern California sun than sitting in a dentist’s chair, but when you miss your regular dentist appointments, you’re putting yourself at risk for poor oral health.  

Whether you need to replace a missing tooth with dental implants, address your cavities, or just come in for a checkup, we recommend getting it done sooner than later.

Your smile matters to us. Come in and see us so we can help you take care of it. We promise to get you back out on the golf course as soon as possible. And you’ll get to feel good knowing your beautiful smile will last through the summer and far far beyond.