Tooth Loss and Your Health
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Good oral hygiene habits are something that dentists instill in their patients at an early age. In order for teeth to stay healthy and last a lifetime, it’s important to protect them with preventive care. If teeth are not cared for properly, your health as a whole can suffer.
Factors that Contribute to Tooth Loss
In order to protect yourself from tooth loss and the health problems that are associated with it, it’s essential to know what causes tooth loss in the first place. Once we know what causes it, we can take the appropriate steps to prevent these issues from occurring.
Tooth Decay
A common cause of tooth loss is tooth decay. This is caused when plaque builds up on the teeth. Foods that are high in sugar such as candy and bread can lead to this plaque build up. If the plaque is left on the teeth and not brushed away, cavities can form. Eventually, the bacteria will attack the roots causing the tooth to fall out or be extracted.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, or periodontitis, is when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, creating pockets where additional bacteria can build up and cause an infection. Once the infection gets beneath your gum line, periodontitis can cause tooth loss and destroy tissues, ligaments, and bones in the mouth.
The Correlation between Diseases and Tooth Loss
While periodontal disease is the primary reason people over the age of 35 lose their teeth, there are other common sources of tooth loss that can contribute to gaps in the mouth.
These diseases include:
- Osteoporosis – Osteoporosis is a culprit because a reduction in bone density can lead to deterioration of the bone that supports the teeth. As the bones in the cheeks and jaw begin to weaken, there’s less structure for teeth to grab onto and they become less likely to uphold the teeth in their proper place.
- Cardiovascular disease – The link between gum disease-related tooth loss and the presence of plaque in the carotid artery lead to a higher number of missing teeth, and an increased risk of stroke and heart disease.
- Cancer – Not only can advanced gum disease lead to oral, lung, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal cancers, it may also be connected to breast cancer.
- Dementia – Tooth loss can possibly lead to memory loss. Periodontal disease has been one of the factors responsible for dementia risk, and this originates with childhood nutritional deficiencies.
- Pregnancy risks – Complications associated with periodontal disease and tooth loss can include premature birth and fetal growth restriction. The pregnancy itself can make periodontal disease progress faster. Proper dental care throughout pregnancy is an important part of prenatal preparations.
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Preventing Tooth Loss
The best way to prevent tooth loss is by consistently caring for your teeth and gums as well as implementing a healthy lifestyle.
Preventive care consists of:
- Brushing twice a day: choose a deep cleansing toothpaste that can neutralize the bacteria found in plaque that builds up around the gum line.
- Flossing at least once a day: this removes food from between the teeth and strengthens gum tissue.
- Avoiding excessive amounts of sugar: consuming too many sugary foods can lead to not only tooth decay but also health problems such as diabetes.
Dental Implants as Your Solution for Tooth Decay
When tooth decay has completely compromised a tooth, Dr. Larson will extract the tooth. Gaps in your teeth can lead to other oral issues, so he’ll discuss the implant process with you and determine if you’re a candidate. One of the many benefits of dental implants is their natural looking appearance.
Our Qualified Dentists Are Here to Help
If you’re concerned about tooth loss, Dr. Larson and his team of dentists will provide you with the perfect solution to fit your needs.
If you are currently suffering from tooth decay that might result in tooth extraction, we encourage you to contact us to schedule a no-obligation dental implant consultation at Larson Dental in Prescott Valley, AZ.