For adults, tooth loss can be a stressful and unpleasant experience because, unlike baby teeth, permanent teeth are not naturally replaced by another tooth. Having a gap in your smile can make eating and speaking difficult and uncomfortable, not to mention the effect it can have on your confidence. It is therefore important that you look after your teeth and maintain good oral hygiene in order to prevent tooth loss.
Mossley Dental Care, which provides treatment for patients from Stockport, look at some of the main causes of missing teeth:
Injury
It is possible to lose a tooth through injury no matter how old or young you are. Although accidents happen, precautions can be taken in certain circumstances. For instance, it is important to wear mouth guards when participating in contact sports or any other activities where your teeth may be at risk of trauma.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is caused by foods that are high in sugar or are particularly acidic, which lead to the formation of plaque – the sticky, white substance found on teeth. The bacteria in plaque gradually break down the tissue in the tooth, causing cavities that can lead to infection or tooth loss.
Gum disease
Gum disease is caused by the bacteria found in plaque. If left untreated, the gums recede from the teeth and the supporting bone tissue fixing the teeth in place is eventually lost. The teeth then become loose and fall out.
Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease. Smokers are more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers, and are therefore more likely to suffer from tooth loss.
Whilst it is important to prevent tooth loss before it happens, if you have missing teeth and you want to fill the gap, at Mossley Dental Care we have a number of options. You might want to consider dental implants – porcelain teeth that are attached to titanium metal rods. These metal rods are inserted into the jaw bone in place of the tooth root. Implants can be inserted into both the top and bottom jaw to replace one tooth or multiple teeth. They can even be used to secure a full set of dentures.
If you’re worried about tooth loss or have missing teeth that you’d like to replace, contact reception to arrange an appointment.
