When You’re More Likely to Lose a Tooth

If you could accurately predict the specific problems that your smile will face in the future, then preserving its health and integrity would be a lot simpler. While this might not always be possible, there are ways that you can predict your likelihood of experiencing some of the more severe oral health concerns. For example, tooth loss is often considered the worst-case scenario for certain oral health conditions. If you develop one of these conditions and fail to address it promptly, then you’ll be at much higher risk of losing a tooth, or several of them, as a result.

Your toothache keeps getting worse

Toothaches don’t seem like the kind of problem that could cost you a tooth. Fortunately, it usually isn’t. However, the cause behind your toothache could pose a serious risk to your oral health, depending on what it is and how severe your toothache has become. The causes can differ, and range from direct damage or decay in your tooth structure to exposed teeth roots due to periodontal disease, and more. Whatever the cause, ignoring your toothache will allow it to get worse. If you feel your tooth becoming increasingly more painful, then it’s possible that your risk of losing the tooth will grow until you address it.

Your gum disease progresses further

The recession of your gum tissues can lead to a lot more than just making your teeth more sensitive. Gum recession is often a sign of gingivitis, or early gum disease, and results from the irritation and erosion of your gums due to the disease. At first, the symptoms of gum disease might not be highly noticeable or cause any significant level of discomfort. However, the destruction that it causes to your oral tissues and structures will continue to grow worse. This makes severe gum disease one of the most frequent causes of tooth loss, and if you notice signs of trouble in your gum tissues, it’s important to address it as soon as possible.

Your damaged tooth keeps losing structure

When a tooth is chipped, fractured, or broken, the discomfort of the tooth isn’t the only problem to deal with. Depending on the type and extent of the damage, it may also lead to your tooth losing more of its structure the longer the tooth remains damaged. In addition to the fracture or break in the tooth, the continued loss of its healthy structure can also increase the risks of the tooth being lost or having to be extracted and replaced. The sooner you restore the tooth, the better chance you have of preserving it and preventing its loss.

Reduce your risks of losing a tooth

The current state of your oral health can tell you a lot about your specific risk of losing a tooth, or more. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).