Tooth Loss and How To Avoid It

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Tooth loss is something we are all scared of and when it happens it can leave you feeling embarrassed and feeling low.
What can we do to prevent this from happening and what can we do to fix it?
Today at River Practice we are talking about tooth loss, prevention tips and how we can help in your journey to a gleaming smile.

So, how can you lose your teeth?

Poor oral hygiene

Tooth loss can occur due to many reasons but it is mainly a result of poor oral health. If you do not brush your teeth daily and consume a lot of sugary snacks, this can lead to tooth decay and even tooth loss.
Visit your dentist regularly where they can tell you exactly what you need to be doing to keep on top of your oral hygiene. It is also advised to attend the dentist to have regular cleanings to avoid any future problems and a build up of plaque.

Trauma

Many of us have a habit of clenching our jaws and grinding teeth, but this weakens the enamel. This causes problems such as reducing the strength of your teeth and making it easier for bacteria to grow.
You could also lose your teeth from injury. This may be due to impact from sport such as rugby or simply falling over and hitting your mouth.
If your tooth is knocked out, wash the tooth with clean water and put it back in your mouth. Alternatively, if this is not an option put the tooth in a glass of milk. Visit your dentist as soon as possible as this is an emergency.
This also means you should avoid high impact to your teeth. This includes eating hard foods, removing caps, chewing pens, removing labels etc. This can cause damage and lead to problems such as tooth loss or chipping.

Unhealthy habits

Unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol can also have a devastating affect on your teeth and gums. Not only does it cause discolouration it can also lead to gum disease. This is also relevant for coffee and tea as these also contribute to staining and bad breath.

What are the consequences of losing your teeth?

Losing your teeth comes with a whole array of problems and can affect people differently. If you lose your teeth, it can be linked to other health problems therefore it is important to visit your doctor and dentist to seek advice.
If you lose your teeth, you may experience problems with your speech, be unable to eat hard foods, have weakened teeth, experience embarrassment and also anxiety.
If this continues, book an appointment with your doctor and dentist to discuss treatments.

How to avoid tooth loss 

Good oral health

To ensure that you are preventing tooth loss it is important to have a long-term routine. Oral health is essential to reduce the problems you could face; this includes brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly.
This helps remove plaque build up in your teeth and around your gums. If it begins to build up, this can lead to gum disease from the bacteria. Due to this, your gums can become irritated, causing the tissues to weaken which then leads to your teeth falling out due to the lack of support.

Visit your dentist

Visit your dentist every six months and also if you experience any pain or discomfort. Your dentist can tell you exactly what treatment would be useful and if you are cleaning your teeth properly.

Protect your mouth in sport

Are you sporty? If you play sports such as rugby, ensure you are protecting your mouth during practice and games. You can do this by using a mouth guard.

Eat healthily

To avoid the build up of plaque, avoid sugary foods and stick to those rich in calcium and vitamin C.
If you do consume food with high sugar content, brush your teeth immediately afterwards to remove the sugar.
Also ensure that you are drinking plenty of water – this helps to clean your teeth and allows saliva to flow in your mouth.
Chewing sugar free gum is also a great idea after meals if you have no access to brush your teeth. This enables your saliva to flow and keep your mouth clean from debris.

Dental implants

If you have suffered from tooth loss there are a number of treatments available such as dental implants.
Dental implants act as replacement tooth roots, providing a long-term solution for people with missing teeth.
It is a great way to have teeth that look natural and healthy. This strong foundation means you can use your dental implants just like your real teeth. This treatment can last a lifetime with efficient care of the implants.

Dental bridges

For a more affordable alternative to dental implants, dental bridges are also a great choice. They act as false teeth, held in place using two crowns fitted to the adjoining teeth. You will have a brand new set of teeth again where you will be able to continue as normal. This treatment can last between ten to fifteen years if cared for properly.
If you have experienced tooth loss, talk to River Practice today where we can discuss what treatments would work best for you.