Losing a natural tooth can impact both the function and appearance of your smile, which is why it’s important to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible. Yet millions of people are missing at least one tooth, with older adults being the most at risk for tooth loss [1].
What would cause someone to lose a natural tooth in the first place, and why does your risk increase with age? The following are the top causes of tooth loss in permanent teeth.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal (gum) disease happens when bacteria and plaque build up on the teeth, especially around the gumline, and cause irritation, swelling, bleeding, and infection. Unfortunately, gum disease is common, with about half of adults over age 30 having some form of gum disease.
Your risk for gum disease increases with age, which is why older adults have a higher incidence of tooth loss than young adults. In fact, about 68% of adults over the age of 65 have gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss [2].
Tooth Decay
Cavities are another common cause of tooth loss. Tooth decay doesn’t typically cause symptoms early in the process, meaning a cavity can progress without your knowledge until it compromises your entire tooth [3]. This is another reason why those regular dental checkups are so important, as your dentist can check for cavities during your visit.
As with gum disease, your risk of getting cavities increases with age, so keeping your smile healthy is imperative to preventing these two conditions that can lead to tooth loss.
Tobacco Use
People who smoke or chew tobacco are at much higher risk to lose their teeth than people who don’t [4]. This is because smoking and chewing tobacco increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, two factors in tooth loss.
People who smoke are also more likely to have dry mouth, which can disrupt oral bacteria and increase plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Smoking can also inhibit symptoms of gum disease, meaning the condition may progress without many symptoms until it becomes challenging to treat.
Accidents or Trauma
Teeth can be damaged in accidents that cause trauma to the jaw, mouth, or face, including car accidents, sports injuries, and falls. In cases such as these, your natural tooth may or may not be able to be saved.
Fortunately, there are many options for restoring a tooth that has experienced trauma, including dental crowns, dental bonding, and root canal therapy. If your dentist cannot save your tooth, you also have options for replacing your tooth so you don’t have to live with a less-than-perfect smile.
How Can You Prevent Tooth Loss?
Preventing tooth loss is as simple as taking care of your teeth with daily oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing and visiting your dentist every six months for checkups. You can also protect your teeth from injury by wearing a mouthguard during sports or for teeth grinding if needed. Don’t underestimate the power of protecting your teeth with the right oral care habits to prevent tooth loss!
Sources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/fast-facts/tooth-loss/index.html
2. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/adult_older.htm
3. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay
4. https://www.prosthodontics.org/assets/1/7/ACP_Talking_points_for_Missing_Teeth_1-
12-15.pdf
