Most people consider losing at least one adult tooth during their lifetime as par for the course (it isn’t, actually, but that’s for another article). You therefore may be wondering if any of your teeth about to “leave home.”
Most tooth loss is due to tooth decay, gum disease or dental avulsion (which is when a tooth falls out due to physical trauma, such as something hitting you in the mouth). We’re going to talk about the warning signs of tooth loss that occur as a result of the first two conditions, both of which are highly preventable.
Tooth loss in youngsters is cute and to be expected. Once you’re an adult, losing a tooth isn’t so cute.
In other words, it’s very easy to prevent tooth loss throughout your life so long as you practice proper oral hygiene habits, such as not eating much sugary or starchy foods, brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and visiting your dentist for a professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year.
Take a look below for some reasons for adult tooth loss as well as signs that you’re about to lose a tooth.
- Tooth loss due to gum disease or tooth decay is entirely preventable! Not brushing and flossing allows plaque to build up on and between your teeth, allowing the bacteria to eat away at your tooth enamel, resulting in cavities. Poor oral hygiene also can cause your gums to eventually turn inflamed and infected. Both tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease can weaken the tissues that support your teeth, causing them to become loose and fall out.
- Signs that you have tooth decay and/or gum disease could include:
- Tender, red or swollen gums
- A persistent bad taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Gums that consistently bleed during and after brushing your teeth.
- Deep pockets start forming between your teeth and gums
- When biting on food, you notice changes in the way your teeth fit together
- If you wear partial dentures, you notice that the way they fit has changed.
- Finally, the most noticeable sign that you could soon lose a tooth, is that you notice that the tooth “feels” shifty or loose.
Heavy smokers, as well as people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or rheumatoid arthritis are all at greater risk than for tooth loss than the general population as they age, so proper oral hygiene habits are even more important for these individuals.
If you’re worried about tooth loss for any reason, or if you notice one or more teeth feel “loose,” contact your dentist immediately.
"ToothLost-2917" by Loadmaster (David R. Tribble) Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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