Preventing Tooth Decay

Losing teeth due to severe tooth decay, gum disease, or personal injury is not only a bad sign of poor oral hygiene but it can also cause a person to develop self-esteem issues. If you or your loved one have a problem with missing teeth and you are looking for ways to improve your smile then options such as dentures could be a permanent solution for your problem. There is a misconception that losing teeth is an issue for old people however, contrary to popular belief, young people can be prone to it as well due to certain habits. So, if you are considering finding ways to repair and/or replace some of your missing teeth but are not certain about how you can do so then this article is for you.  

What Not To Do

Knowing what the causes of tooth loss are can help you prevent it and improve your overall oral health. Finding ways to prevent the following causes of tooth loss is a guaranteed way to regain confidence in your smile. 

• Gum Disease 

Bad oral hygiene is one of the leading reasons for teeth loss in adults. Gum disease or medically known as periodontal disease is caused by the influx of bacteria that is found in dental plaque. If you are someone who lacks teeth brushing etiquette, who doesn’t floss regularly, and who doesn’t clean their tongue then you are at high risk of developing this condition. The symptoms can be mild swelling of your gums and can progress to more severe bleeding gums that can result in pain while chewing. When periodontal disease is left untreated, it can damage your teeth and their supportive structure which will inevitably result in teeth loss. 

• Personal Injury 

Car, motorcycle, sports, and fall accidents are the most popular ways that people chip or lose their teeth. Conscientious methods of ensuring accidents do not occur are not always guaranteed to help prevent them from happening but using a seat belt while driving or wearing a durable mouthguard when playing contact sports could help you a great deal.  However, should you find yourself needing to do a tooth replacement after a serious accident, then consulting with an Orthodontist could help you determine the right option that is available for you. Some people opt for dentures while others prefer dental implants to replace missing teeth, whatever choice you make should be an informed one. 

• Lifestyle Choices 

Most times a person’s habits are a leading contributor to teeth decay and loss. If you enjoy grinding your teeth and lack control when you’re sleeping, you might want to stop this bad habit because it has the potential to wear down your teeth and it may loosen your teeth resulting in complete tooth loss. Studies show that smoking is a direct cause of periodontal disease and it can also cause bleeding gums. Being a smoker who doesn’t take care of your teeth will probably lead to one form or another of teeth problems. Quitting smoking is the most effective way to prevent and reduce the risks of tooth loss. 

• Other Factors 

Poor quality of health hurts your oral health, for instance, people who are diabetic are more prone to periodontal disease and teeth loss because higher blood sugar levels impact your gums and teeth. It is important to understand ways to improve your health. 

If you have decided to get your teeth replaced because you miss your incredible smile, getting dentures or dental implants could be the solution for you. However, taking the time to find a reliable Orthodontist should not stop you from preventing further tooth decay urgently. It’s never too late to change your lifestyle, brush your teeth sufficiently, floss regularly, and be mindful of your habits and diet.