Did you know that 3.5 billion people have oral diseases?
No matter what the cause, losing a tooth is a sorrowful event. The tooth has nerves, blood vessels, and tissue, all embedded in a hard enamel coating. If you’ve ever lost a tooth, you know the struggle and pain that comes with it.
Read on for everything you need to know about losing a tooth.
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is a significant cause of tooth decay and loss. Plaque, an acidic biofilm that builds up in the mouth, can permanently damage tooth enamel when it is not removed regularly by brushing and flossing.
Taking care of your oral health by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly is vital to preventing tooth loss. Without frequent trips to the dentist, gingivitis can develop. This leads to further damage to the teeth and their supporting structures.
2. Gum Disease
Losing a tooth through gum disease can be a painful and distressing experience. Gum disease is a severe infection of the gums that causes them to become inflamed and break down, eventually leading to tooth loss or multiple teeth.
A person can experience bleeding and painful gums, receding, and sometimes even bone loss. People are more likely to suffer from gum disease if they don’t brush and floss properly.
3. Eating Highly Acidic
Consuming highly acidic foods can be extremely detrimental to your dental health and result in tooth loss. Highly acidic foods with a pH level of around four or lower can erode the protective layer of enamel on your teeth, leaving them vulnerable to decay. Without the enamel, your teeth are more likely to develop cavities and abscesses, which can ultimately lead to the need for a tooth extraction.
4. Injury To The Mouth
Injury to the mouth can result in the loss of a tooth. Trauma to the jaw, face, and mouth can cause teeth to fracture, fracture to the point where they become loose or be entirely knocked out.
Biting down hard on something and chipping away at the tooth can also have damaging results, as can being in a recreational accident such as a bike crash, sports incident, or a fall. Fortunately, with the advances in dental technology like tooth replacement online, many of these issues can often be treated, and the tooth can be saved.
5. Smoking
Smoking is terrible for your oral health and can be one of the ways you can lose a tooth. Smoking is a significant contributor to gum disease, which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.
The best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to avoid smoking. The tar and nicotine residues from cigarettes weaken gums, making them more prone to infection.
Tips On How to Not Lose a Tooth
It is stressful to lose a tooth, and it can be a painful experience, but having some information and tools can better prepare you to prevent a cavity or give care after an accident. It’s essential to purposefully brush and floss, eat a balanced diet, and visit your dentist at least bi-annually. Make sure your dental health is supported, and your smile is shining bright.
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