One of the most important, but commonly misunderstood, things about tooth loss is the fact that, in many cases, it can be successfully prevented. Because it occurs frequently and can affect nearly anyone at some point in their lives, many people believe it to be a natural and unavoidable part of the aging process. However, the truth is that tooth loss isn’t a solitary condition, and it typically results from one or more underlying oral health concerns. The good news is many of these concerns are highly preventable and treatable. By avoiding their development, or treating an oral health concern if it does appear, you can significantly improve your chances of preventing tooth loss from ever affecting your smile.
Preventing dental issues with good hygiene
Good hygiene is the cornerstone of a healthy smile because many of the problems that can affect it start with the accumulation of oral bacteria. There are hundreds of kinds of bacteria that naturally inhabit your mouth, and when they accumulate, certain kinds can directly harm the surfaces and structures of your teeth. Others can cause gum disease to form in the tissues that support your teeth, eroding them and the underlying jawbone structure as it grows worse. The main focus of a good dental hygiene routine is preventing this bacterial accumulation, which most commonly takes the form of dental plaque.
Taking extra care of teeth that have been restored
If you have a tooth that’s been damaged or has been treated for tooth decay, then the restoration can help protect the tooth and restore its healthy function. However, the compromised tooth structure underneath the restoration will still be affected by the damage or decay, which means the restoration is essential to preserving it. If the restoration fails, then your risks of losing the tooth to more severe oral health conditions will rise, which is why taking extra care of a restored tooth is also paramount to preventing tooth loss.
Acting quickly if you have a dental emergency
Dental emergencies aren’t the most common cause of tooth loss, but they are a common cause, especially if the emergency isn’t addressed promptly. For instance, a tooth that’s fractured or broken due to accidental trauma can become weaker and at-risk of more severe damage. If not restored soon, it may require extraction or be lost on its own by the time you do seek treatment for it. If a tooth is knocked out of its socket completely, then your dentist might be able to place it back in the socket successfully if you seek treatment soon enough.
Increase your chances of preventing tooth loss
Whether by preventing common dental concerns or acting quickly to address one, you have more options than you might realize to help avoid losing a tooth. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI, today at 248-693-6213.
