Dentistry has advanced greatly these past few years. Thanks to a combination of oral hygiene habits, regular visits to a Grand Prairie family dentist, and a better understanding of how our mouths work, more and more people can keep their natural teeth—even in their elderly years.
Nevertheless, tooth loss in adults is still common. In fact, by age 50, Americans have lost an average of 12 teeth (including wisdom teeth). And among adults 65 to 74, 26 percent have lost all their teeth. Maintaining good care habits is fundamental to preventing adult tooth loss, and here are some of them.
Why Do Adults Lose Permanent Teeth?
None of us is a stranger to tooth loss. During childhood, it was a feat to celebrate—a rite of passage and an opportunity to get bills from the tooth fairy. In adulthood, it’s not such a happy time.
Losing a tooth can happen due to several causes: by accident after a sudden hit to the face, in an extraction after your dentist identified severe tooth decay, and your tooth may even fall out in extreme cases. It is very unlikely that this will happen suddenly. There are often several warning signs that patients ignore, toothache being one of the most notorious ones.
When an adult permanent tooth is lost, it is like toppling the first domino. The dentist advises replacing it as soon as possible because it can cause other oral health problems like bone loss, shifting teeth, or jaw pain. Otherwise, more teeth might eventually fall out.
What Causes Tooth Loss in Adults?
There are several causes of tooth loss in adults. However, most of them are related to a single factor: bad oral hygiene habits. Failing to brush your teeth properly after every meal and forgetting to floss can lead to bacterial plaque accumulation, jeopardizing your mouth's delicate balance.
The plaque accumulation often irritates the gums, causing gum disease or gingivitis. This condition is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults because your gums start to recede, leaving the sensitive tooth root vulnerable. Cavities are also a main cause of dental extractions.
Dental trauma, like an accident or injury, is another common cause of tooth loss. To prevent it, adults who play sports should wear a mouthguard to cushion their teeth in case of a sudden impact. Another reason for wearing a custom mouthguard is teeth grinding, or bruxism, which can erode teeth and foster tooth loss in the long run.
What Are Some Signs of Potential Tooth Loss in Adults?
While tooth loss can be extremely common, it does not happen overnight. Often, there are several warning signs of an infection pre-extraction. If you pay attention to these early on, we may be able to reverse the situation and restore your natural tooth to optimal condition.
Some symptoms include:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Loose tooth
- Swollen gums
- Toothache
If you notice any of these signs, visit a dental office right away. Early treatment may allow us to save your tooth.
Prevent Adult Tooth Loss with Grand Prairie Family Dentistry
Although it remains high, the number of adults who have suffered tooth loss in America has been progressively declining year after year. The secret to that is more consciousness and widespread information about the benefits of good dental habits and the consequences of lacking them.
Besides tooth loss, failing to take care of your smile can also trigger several oral health problems for your body overall. You can prevent these issues by following our care tips and contacting Lynn Family Dental for regular dental visits!
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