What is tooth loss?

Tooth loss is when someone loses one or more of their natural teeth. It has a number of causes.

• Accident. Although strong and durable, suffering a major trauma that affects that mouth can easily lead to the loss of one or more teeth. In situations where the mouth is subjected to a heavy blow, teeth can become dislodged and come free. Sometimes teeth are so damaged from a trauma that, although they are still present in the mouth, they need to be removed as they cannot effectively be salvaged and having them replaced is a better option.
• Tooth decay. If plaque is allowed to build up on teeth then they can begin to decay. Plaque is a substance formed when you eat, particularly sugary or starchy food and drink. It attacks the enamel which protects the teeth and you can experience great sensitivity as the nerves are compromised. This process can be stopped by having the cavities which form filled but if it is left unchecked then the whole tooth might begin to decay and either come loose or have to be removed.
• Gum disease. When you consider that it is your gums which hold your teeth in place, it is not surprising that gum disease is a greater cause of tooth loss than tooth decay itself. Gums become diseased in the same fashion that teeth start to decay: because of plaque. That that builds up on the gum line of teeth starts to cause inflammation in the gums which manifests itself as redness and swelling. Gingivitis, the most common form of gum disease, is usually solved by a tightening the home dental hygiene routine of brushing and flossing but it can progress into periodontitis which will endanger your teeth. With periodontitis, the infection spreads to the bones holding your teeth in place and there is great risk of them falling out.

What all this points to is that tooth loss is best avoided by being sure to take care of your teeth well at home. You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, usually in the morning and the evening, and after meals if necessary. Flossing is important too as this rids the mouth of plaque that brushing alone cannot reach. Using a tooth paste fortified with fluoride can help strengthen enamel and further guard against dental decay.

To compliment your home care you should visit your dentist every six months for a check up. Sometimes the early signs that plaque is building up might not be obvious to you but your dentist will be able to spot them and advise accordingly. If a problem is developing, it can be dealt with swiftly by your dentist before it gets worse. Gingivitis, for example, is easily dealt with by dentists but it must be spotted early before it progresses into something worse.

The bottom line is that having a good relationship with your dentist and being sure to visit him or her significantly minimise your risk of tooth loss and the need for false teeth of any kind.