Causes of Loose Teeth
No one wants to have a less-than perfect smile. Understanding the common culprits that lead to lost teeth can equip you with what you need to know to better prevent tooth loss
Gum disease: The most common cause of tooth loss, gum disease can significantly affect your overall oral health. Taking proper measures to ensure your gums are healthy and keeping gum disease from taking root is critical
Injury: A chipped or damaged tooth is at risk of falling out when not treated right away. Cracks in the enamel exposes the underlying layers of your tooth to decay which can lead to infection and tooth loss.
Dental Caries: Plaque interacts with sugars from food you eat to create acids that eat away at your enamel, causing holes or cavities. If not repaired this tooth decay can lead to tooth loss.
Tooth Loss and Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can critically impact your oral health. When plaque is not fully removed, it can deteriorate the condition of your teeth and gums. As plaque accumulates it forms into tartar, a hardened substance on teeth that can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar results in gaps or “pockets” along your gum line. This can cause your gums to recede and expose your teeth and gum line to potential gum health issues.
Plaque -> Tartar -> Gum Disease -> Tooth Loss
Common symptoms include loose or shifting teeth, bleeding or receding gums, and tooth loss. Early prevention techniques involving a thorough oral care routine can help maintain your gum health so you can retain more of your natural smile.
Switch to Electric to Limit Tooth Loss
Research¹ shows that switching to an electric toothbrush can help maintain your gum health by slowing down the rate of development of gum disease*. Electric toothbrushes can help keep harmful bacteria out and strong teeth in by promoting a healthier gum line.
A proper oral care routine of brushing twice and flossing at least once daily can help prevent gum disease, and in turn, prevent tooth loss. Be sure to keep up with regularly scheduled dental appointments so your oral health stays intact.
Sources:
http://www.oralhealthplatform.edu/our-work/the-state-of-oral-health-in-europe/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473
¹Pitchika V, Pink C, Völzke H, Welk A, Kocher T, Holtfreter B. Long-term impact of powered toothbrush on oral health: 11-year cohort study. J Clin Periodontol. 2019. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.13126 *Compared to a manual toothbrush
