The Leading Causes of Tooth Loss in Adults Today
It’s not only kids who lose teeth! Adults too can lose teeth, in all manner of ways. Today we take a look at the leading causes of tooth loss among adults and what can be done to prevent them. Taking care of your teeth is a priority throughout life. After all, we only all ever get one set of adult teeth.
Periodontal disease
Poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of “Gingivitis”, which is the inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis occurs when plaque builds up along the gums for some time and isn’t brushed away. Plaque contains bacteria and is the main cause of developing both cavities and periodontal disease by irritating the gums. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to “Periodontitis” which is inflammation of the “periodontium”. The periodontium is the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. When this occurs, the body’s natural defense mechanism is to destroy the diseased and sick tissue, which ends up sacrificing the support of the teeth, ultimately leading to loss of teeth. Preventing periodontal disease can be as simple as brushing and flossing thoroughly after meals, and visiting your dentist every 6 months.
Calcium deficiency
Calcium is essential for healthy teeth and bones. If an adult is not getting enough calcium, it can lead to the early loss of teeth. This happens when the body feels the need to release more calcium into the blood, and relies on breaking down bone to do so, since bone is rich in calcium. Unfortunately, jawbones are affected more than other bones in the body which means the normal healthy support teeth get becomes brittle, and can lead to loosening of teeth and eventual loss of teeth. Don’t know whether you are getting enough calcium? Go to your doctor for a test. Calcium-rich foods include dairy (milk, cheese, yoghurt, etc.), eggs, and oily fish, and calcium supplements.
Trauma
Mouth injuries can happen at any time. It’s not just children that fall over and knock their two front teeth out! Adults are also susceptible to tooth loss through trauma. This is particularly true for adults who play sports. A well-placed ball or shoulder to the mouth can dislodge teeth and even break your jaw. To prevent sporting trauma injuries, it is advised to get a custom fitted mouthguard from your dentist, to protect your teeth. This is why professional sports players wear them, after all!
Not going for check ups often enough
Many people do not go for dental checkups as often as they should. Dental check-ups are advised every 3 to 6 months to ensure that your mouth and your teeth are in good shape and to catch any issues early. A wobbling tooth may be saved if you check in with your dentist to see what’s up. Gingivitis may be turned around before it progresses into periodontal disease. When was the last time you went in for a dental check up? If it’s been more than 6 months then it’s time to see the dentist!
Book in for your next dental check up at our dental clinic Parramatta, Dental Avenue. Ensure that you catch any issues early before you lose a tooth, and check that your gums are in good health, too. You owe it to yourself to keep your oral health in the best shape possible, so give us a call today to find a good time to visit.
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