As the second-most common dental health issue among adults in the United States (tooth decay ranks number one), gum disease remains the most common reason behind permanent tooth loss. Unlike tooth decay, you might not notice the signs of gum disease until it is too late to prevent tooth loss, making routine exams, cleanings, and dental treatment (when necessary) all the more important.
Though it’s the most frequently experience dental health issue, tooth decay (an internal tooth infection) is typically caught before it causes enough damage to claim a tooth. Nevertheless, if allowed to progress, or if a tooth becomes infected because it is cracked or fractured, then a tooth infection can become severe enough to cause tooth loss, or require extraction.
If your tooth is knocked out, it might be replanted with immediate emergency dental treatment, but the loss itself might not have been prevented without foresight (such is the nature of most accidents). Sometimes, though, a tooth that has sustained damaged, yet remains in place, can eventually fall out or require a tooth extraction if not restored immediately.
With the exception of accidental avulsion (a knocked-out tooth), you can typically prevent tooth loss by brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day to control harmful dental plaque. As the source of both tooth decay and gum disease, the bacteria in plaque can be considered the origin of the most common causes of tooth loss. Also, be sure to attend a dental checkup and cleaning on a regular basis, usually every six months, or as often as recommended.
Besides helping you prevent dental issues from forming, your dentist can also carefully inspect your teeth and gums, and recommend appropriate treatment to reduce your risks of tooth loss. To schedule your appointment, call Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).
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