This camel isn’t at all bothered by the gap in his smile but losing a tooth can be an embarrassing situation for many people. Some patients get self-conscious and stop smiling because of a missing tooth. In many cases, it’s possible to prevent losing a tooth. To understand how to prevent losing teeth, let’s discuss what causes tooth loss.
Three Common Causes of Tooth Loss
- Gum Disease
- Cavities
- Injuries or Accidents
Gum disease is the most common reason why adults lose teeth. The bacteria attack the soft tissue, and if left untreated, can destroy the jaw bone that supports your teeth.
Tooth decay is another common cause of tooth loss. Cavities damage the tooth’s enamel and can spread to the dental root. A dentist can treat cavities with fillings or root canals, but severe cases may not be salvageable. You may need a tooth extraction to relieve yourself of dental pain.
Car accidents or sports injuries may cause you to chip or break a tooth. While many times the tooth can be fixed with cosmetic dentistry, you may end up losing the whole tooth.
Three Ways To Prevent Tooth Loss
- Good Oral Hygiene
- Regular Dental Visits
- Mouthguard
Good oral care habits can help you avoid tooth loss. Removing plaque and other bacteria will lower your risk of both tooth decay and gum disease. Your oral care routine should include brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day.
Visits to Leesburg Family Dental twice a year allow our team to keep an eye on your oral health and catch problems early on before they lead to tooth loss. Regular professional dental cleanings help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
If you play sports, we recommend getting a sports mouthguard. It slips easily over your teeth and can protect them from dental damage. You’d be surprised how many teeth are lost due to sports injuries.
Family Dentistry in Leesburg, Virginia
At Leesburg Family Dental, we offer an assortment of services and are dedicated to giving you a five-star experience. We want to help you keep your teeth healthy with preventive treatments but if you do lose a tooth, we have restorative options so you can smile with confidence again. Our team is committed to ensuring that you and your family have healthy smiles. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you.
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