You might be surprised to know that 120 million people living in the United States have at least one tooth missing. If you are doing everything you can to prevent tooth loss, or you are among the many Americans that have missing teeth, you might have some questions regarding how tooth loss happens and how it can be treated.
Here are the answers to three frequently asked questions when it comes to tooth loss.
How Does Tooth Loss Happen?
The most common cause of tooth loss among adults is periodontal disease. This type of oral disease happens primarily due to poor oral hygiene habits, including not brushing or flossing as regularly as one should. Besides periodontal disease, there are many other reasons that people have missing teeth. For some people, tooth loss happens because of tooth decay or smoking cigarettes.
Others may have sustained an injury to their mouth in which their teeth got knocked out. Some people might also have certain diseases, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, that can increase the chances of tooth loss.
How Can Tooth Loss Be Prevented?
One of the best ways to combat tooth loss is to maintain good dental habits. Besides brushing and flossing, you should see your dentist on a regular basis. Your dentist can recommend how often you should get your teeth cleaned. If you have severe tartar buildup, your dentist might recommend more frequent cleanings. For those who are susceptible to gingivitis, a deep tooth cleaning might be necessary.
Other ways to prevent tooth loss include getting more calcium and less sugar in your diet, protecting your teeth when playing contact sports, and taking care of dental problems sooner rather than later.
What Are Some Ways to Replace Missing Teeth?
If you have missing teeth and are self-conscious of your smile, you might be wondering how you can get them replaced. Here are some great options when it comes to tooth replacement:
- Dentures - These custom-made prosthetic devices come as either partial or complete, and denture wearers can choose between removable or non-removable ones.
- Dental implants - These posts get fused to your jawbone underneath the gums and then a crown or artificial tooth gets placed on the post.
- All On 4 Implant Rehabilitation - The all on 4 implant rehabilitation option works great for those who have lost most or all of their teeth and can be done in one single procedure.
There are many advantages to each of these tooth replacement options. Your dentist will be able to help you choose the one that best suits your dental and lifestyle needs.
