Tooth Loss
Dentist Portland
 Losing a permanent tooth can be devastating for an adult because it can create a domino effect on adjacent teeth and eventually the rest of the mouth. The statistics on tooth loss are concerning. Approximately 35 million Americans are missing all of their lower or upper teeth, and 120 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth.
One of our primary goals at Geelan Dental Care is to help our patients keep their natural teeth for many, many years.
Reasons for Tooth Loss
There can be many reasons for tooth loss, but some of the most common ones are:
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Trauma
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Periodontal disease
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Tooth decay
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Systemic conditions
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Smoking
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Alcohol
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Age
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Gender
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Genetics
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Poor oral hygiene habits |
The good news is that you have options such as dentures or dental implants to replace lost teeth. However, there is nothing better than your natural teeth, and that is why our goal is to keep them healthy.
Consequences of Tooth Loss
Tooth loss is not an isolated occurrence. All of your teeth are connected to each other, and when one piece goes missing, it affects the rest. The bone in the root of your tooth is what keeps it in place. When that root is gone, there is an open space in your gums that doesn't get stimulation because there is nothing there. Bone loss can cause many other problems, such as creating misalignment in the jaw and bite, and it can also affect the surrounding bone structure.
Everything in your mouth is designed to work harmoniously, and a missing piece will disrupt that harmony. Some of the most damaging consequences of tooth loss are:
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Gum discomfort
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Difficulty cleaning the gap
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Bone loss
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Changes in facial structure
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More tooth loss
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Gum disease |
If you have suffered the loss of a tooth due to periodontal disease, the domino effect is accelerated. Once you lose one tooth, it's just a matter of time until the infection causes more to fall out. Not treating gum disease is extremely dangerous to your oral health and will result in additional tooth loss.
Preventing Tooth Loss
If you have lost teeth, you may think your situation is hopeless, but with modern technology, tooth replacements like dental implants or dentures are available to help you. Prevention is the best thing to avoid tooth loss.
Good oral hygiene habits at home, including brushing your teeth twice a day or after meals with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and flossing at least once a day is vital in preventing tooth loss. Getting regular dental care and professional cleanings will eliminate plaque, that sticky residue that attaches to your teeth and gets inside the gums to cause periodontal disease and tooth loss.
When caught early, gum disease can be treated successfully and stopped or even reversed with proper oral care. Please don’t hesitate to make an appointment so we can take care of your teeth at Geelan Dental Care. Call us today at (971) 323-1990. |
