How to Win When It Comes to Tooth Loss
The best way to combat gum disease and tooth loss is by adopting an excellent oral hygiene regimen.
Many of us have been awakened by an all-too-realistic dream about our teeth falling out.
Nothing then is more reassuring than checking out our smile and realizing our pearly whites are still intact. Yet, for some, tooth loss is not a nightmare but a reality. Today we will take a look at some of the reasons behind tooth loss and discuss the measures you can take to keep your teeth for years to come.
Gum Disease and Tooth Loss
According to WebMD’s Article, “9 Risk Factors for Tooth Loss”, gum or periodontal disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss. The Academy of Osseointegration confirms, saying that the gum infection can lead to loss of bone causing a tooth to fall out or require extraction.
The best way to combat gum disease is by adopting an excellent oral hygiene regimen that consists of brushing, flossing and regular trips to the dentist. To learn more about how you can prevent periodontal disease with good oral hygiene, check out our previous posts, “How Oral Hygiene Can Prevent Heart Disease” and “Caring for Your Teeth Step by Step”.
Trauma and Tooth Loss
Another leading factor of tooth loss is trauma. Total Health Magazine’s article, “Your teeth and aging: Will you be toothless?” Though tooth trauma can often be attributed to accidents, it can also be connected with:
- Sports
- Using your teeth as a tool
- Holding a tobacco pipe with your teeth for long periods of time
- Chewing pencils or pens
- Nail biting
- Clenching and Grinding your teeth
It is important to do your best to protect your teeth from fractures and trauma. Though incidents cannot always be prevented, Total Health suggests patients break negative habits that stress their teeth, wear a mouth guard when partcipating in contact sports and discover the options available for those who suffer from Bruxism or teeth grinding. To read more about teeth grinding, take a look at our post, "The Daily Grind | A Bruxism Breakdown".
Rock What You Got
You only get one set of teeth, therefore it is crucial that you take great care of them in order to help prevent tooth loss and other problems associated with neglect. Accept our challenge to make 2016 your healthiest year yet!
Contact Lake Cities Dental for more information about Family Dentistry and Orthodontics in the Southlake, TX area. (817) 410-7373. Also, check us out on Facebook and Google+.