Avoiding tooth loss is probably the biggest focal point of dental care. Our teeth help us eat, speak, sing, and present our best selves with beautiful smiles. So you may be wondering what some of the causes of tooth loss are and how you can prevent that outcome.

What Causes Tooth Loss?

Below we’ll discuss some reasons for the loss of teeth before getting into some preventative measures.

Impacts to Mouth

Often associated with athletics, impacts to the mouth are a major cause of tooth loss. These injuries are not always caused by sports activities, however. Impacts on the mouth also sometimes cause partial tooth loss through chipping.

Dental Cavities

Dental cavities are probably the most well-known cause of tooth loss. Cavities occur when acids attack the enamel shield on your teeth and begin to eat away your teeth from the inside. Sugary foods and beverages accelerate the growth of cavities.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone that support the teeth. When left untreated, gum disease can cause the gums to recede and the bone to deteriorate, leading to tooth loss.

How Can I Prevent Tooth Loss?

Many factors contribute to the likelihood of tooth loss, such as aging and genetics. However, many activities prevent entirely or drastically reduce the possibility of tooth loss.

Brush and Floss

Dental care starts at home. For best dental health outcomes, you must brush your teeth thoroughly several times per day. Flossing is necessary to remove pieces of food and plaque your toothbrush cannot reach.

Use A Mouth Guard for Sports

When playing sports, you should use an approved mouthguard. Mouth guards drastically reduce the likelihood that an impact to the mouth will result in tooth loss.

Reduce Consumption of Sugary Beverages

All food buildup on your teeth can cause cavities, but soda and energy drinks are the most harmful to your teeth. Soda is highly acidic and breaks down your enamel, while the ample sugar in the beverage also turns into tooth-corroding acid over time.

Candies are also a major cause of cavities because they stick to your teeth as their sugar converts into acid.

Get Plenty of Vitamins and Minerals

Your teeth require many vitamins and minerals for their health, including:

• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin C
• Phosphorus
• Vitamin A
• Potassium
• Magnesium

You can get appropriate amounts of these necessary nutrients through a balanced diet. However, vitamin supplements can also be helpful in getting enough vitamins and minerals.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups are an essential part of good dental healthcare. The likelihood of tooth loss and severe decay decreases substantially if you receive appropriate treatments early.

Schedule An Appointment at Associates of Dentistry