The Top Causes of Tooth Loss

Here at Forney Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, we offer patients advanced restorative dentistry treatments that are able to improve the health of the teeth and the gums. When patients lose teeth, we have a number of appliances that can help them have a healthy smile.

Since tooth loss can occur in various ways, we would like to go over some of the most common reasons that people are missing teeth. This might help patients practice better oral hygiene and also be more cautious in various situations.

Slips and Falls

Accidents that involve slips and falls are among the most common causes of tooth loss. This is especially true of major falls or cases in which a person lands face first without being able to break their own fall.

Vehicle Accidents

Whether it's an auto accident or a bike accident, all kinds of collisions with vehicles can result in serious hard to the face, head, and mouth. This is why it's important that you wear safety restraints and helmets as recommended.

Contact and Combat Sports

Contact sports and combat sports can result in major injuries to various parts of the body. Extra care should be taken to protect your face and mouth. Be sure to wear any head protection and pads as recommended to minimize your injuries.

Accidents While Eating

Sometimes while having a meal you may accidentally bite down on a bone, an unpopped kernel of popcorn, or something else that may be hard. This can seriously fracture a tooth, resulting in an injury that leads to tooth loss. Try to eat slowly and to savor your meals. This can mitigate the damage.

Physical Altercations

If you're involved in a fight or an assault, you might suffer a number of serious injuries to the head or face. It's not uncommon for these instances to cause tooth loss, particularly in very violent instances.

Serious Tooth Decay

A minor cavity won't cause you to lose a tooth, but major tooth decay can result in severe compromises to your tooth structure. This can result in the loss of a tooth or the necessary extraction of a tooth.

Extreme Dental Erosion

Like major tooth decay, acidic erosion of the enamel leaves teeth weak and more likely to experience major fractures. It's not uncommon for people to lose teeth after suffering from severe dental erosion.

Advanced Gum Disease

Gum disease affects more than just your gum tissue. When gum disease progresses to more advanced states, it can wear away your gum tissue and expose the tooth roots. In the process, teeth may shift, become loose, and even fall out.

Root Canal Infections

A root canal infection refers to the infection of the soft tissue that's located inside of each tooth. When this soft tissue becomes infected, it can result in major pain and discomfort. When teeth cannot be saved through endodontic therapy, tooth extraction may be the only viable option for treatment.

Long-Term Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products

Smoking and tobacco products increase your risk of experiencing major tooth decay, gum disease, and a number of other serious dental problems. People who smoke are more likely to be missing a tooth or multiple teeth than non-smokers. Consider this another compelling reason to quit.

Contact Forney Family Dentistry & Orthodontics

For more information about your treatment options for tooth loss and other serious dental health problems, be sure to contact our advanced dental care center today. The team at Forney Family Dentistry & Orthodontics is here to help you smile with renewed confidence.

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