Top Causes of Tooth Loss
By Patrick Casey on October 29, 2016
Tooth loss can occur as a result of a number of causes. Poor oral health habits can contribute to tooth decay or gum disease, conditions that, if left untreated, result in tooth loss. Oral injuries, such as an impact to the face as a result of a fall, can result in a tooth getting knocked out. Even bad dental habits, such as chronic teeth grinding or using the teeth as tools, can cause tooth loss.
At Smile Montreal, Drs. Charles and Patrick Casey offer preventive dental services to help patients avoid tooth loss in the first place. If tooth loss does occur, they offer the full range of restorative dentistry treatments for missing teeth. To help patients prevent tooth loss, we invite them to read the following blog post about the top causes of tooth loss. To schedule an appointment, contact our Montreal, QC practice today.
Untreated Dental Conditions
If you have developed a dental problem, letting it go untreated can result in tooth loss. The most common dental conditions that cause tooth loss include:
Gum disease refers to an infection of the gums. As plaque, tartar, and bacteria build up below the gum line, bacterial acids damage the gum tissue. This causes the gums to become inflamed, red, and tender; eventually the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating periodontal pockets. As the pockets grow, the teeth may become loose and eventually fall out or require extraction.
The same bacterial acids that damage gum tissue can also damage the teeth. Bacterial acids damage healthy tooth structure, creating cavities within the tooth. If the problem is not treated, tooth decay will continue to advance, to the point that the root canals become infected and there is no longer enough healthy tooth structure left to support a dental restoration.
Root Canal Infection
If bacteria reach the root canals of the tooth, where the nerves and soft tissues reside, the tooth is at an even greater risk of loss without timely treatment.
An oral injury can occur suddenly at any time. Any impact to the mouth, such as with the ground after a fall or another player or piece of athletic equipment when playing sports, can result in sudden tooth loss.
Bad Dental Habits
Bad dental habits can also contribute to tooth loss.
Poor Oral Health
Failing to brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and attend professional dental exams every six months can increase the risk of dental conditions, including gum disease, tooth decay, and root canal infection.
Bruxism is a condition in which patients habitually grind their teeth, especially at night. This can wear down the teeth and cause severe fractures, both of which can result in tooth loss or the need for tooth extraction.
Using the Teeth as Tools
Using the teeth to open bottles and break clothing tags can increase the risk of the tooth becoming dislodged, chipped, or cracked. This kind of damage can result in tooth loss.
If you have missing teeth, contact Smile Montreal to undergo a tooth replacement procedure.
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“I felt more like I was talking to a friend than I was to a dentist.” Nancy Lanzolla, Former Patient