Millions of American adults lose one or more of their teeth and suffer many types of complications as a result. They can feel self-conscious about gaps in their smiles, struggle to complete oral functions, and have a high risk of further oral health issues.
A dentist can resolve many of these problems with tooth replacement treatment. But ideally, you should preserve your natural dental structure and avoid tooth loss in the first place. This will involve targeted preventative oral health care. Read on to find advice from your dentist to lower the danger of accidentally losing one or more teeth.
Wear Protective Oral Appliances
Your teeth are strong and endure wear and tear from biting and chewing without issue usually. But high pressure may cause a tooth to dislodge from its socket. Impact trauma from a blow to the face, for instance, can make you lose a tooth.
Accidents can happen to any of us, but if you engage in high-impact activities, like certain sports, you face a greater risk of losing a tooth this way. To avoid this serious dental problem, you should wear recommended protective gear like a mouthguard.
The mouthguard covers your teeth and serves to cushion them, absorbing the brunt of the impact, should you receive a blow to your face. This way, you will prevent tooth loss and other oral injuries.
In some cases, a dentist can provide you with a custom-made mouthguard. An individualized fit for this oral appliance ensures that it fits properly in the mouth, feeling both secure and comfortable. You can also feel confident that the guard will not disrupt your athletic performance by slipping out of place at an inopportune moment.
You might also benefit from a night guard, a similar type of protective oral appliance that you wear while sleeping. This can help dental patients who grind or clench their teeth as they sleep.
The pressure of this behavior can lead to long-term dental damage that might contribute to tooth loss. So, ask your dentist if this oral appliance is right for you.
Adhere to Good Oral Hygiene
The most common cause of tooth loss in adult dental patients is gum disease. This infection begins in the gum tissue, and bacteria eat away at the gums, causing irritation and inflammation. If the infection advances, it also damages the teeth and jawbone to the point that the teeth may fall out.
You will need periodontal therapy from a dentist in order to eradicate gum disease. It will not go away on its own. However, you can take action to lower your risk of contracting this disease with proper preventative care.
This means practicing good oral hygiene to keep your smile clean and free of excess bacteria. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss every day to remove plaque and other harmful particles from your smile. Otherwise, bacteria can easily spread and infect your gums. Learn more about ways to preserve your smile and avoid tooth loss by calling your dentist.