7 Common Causes of Tooth Loss That You Should Know About

Tooth loss is a significant issue in the US.  According to the American College of Prosthodontists, around 120 million Americans have missing teeth. Tooth loss may have a big influence on your dental health and quality of life, so understanding the reasons and preventative methods is essential.

Despite the delicate balance necessary to keep your teeth in good condition, many people don't realize the danger of tooth loss. However, tooth loss does not occur after a few missed brushing sessions. So, what exactly makes your teeth fall out? In this article, we have gathered seven common causes of tooth loss that you should know about.

1. Gum disease

Gum disease is the major cause of adult tooth loss. This is a dangerous gum infection, also known as periodontal disease, that causes gum destruction and, in severe cases, may ruin the jawbone. Periodontal (gum) disease is caused by plaque accumulation on the teeth. 

Bacteria in the mouth that adheres to the teeth can accumulate and produce a film (plaque). Plaque hardens to tartar (calculus) over time, which can build and spread beyond the gum line. Periodontitis symptoms include swollen, red, or sore gums. Poor oral hygiene is frequently the source of this illness. While this is a common cause of tooth loss, it is also avoidable.

2. Aging

Tooth loss can happen at any age, although it is more frequent among the elderly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than a quarter (26%) of persons aged 65 and older have eight or fewer teeth, and one in every six (17%) has lost all of their teeth.

3. Trauma

Everyday activities might affect your tooth health. Severe damage or trauma might cause the tooth to die over a few days, months, or even years. Accidents when playing sports, a fall or a vehicle accident all put your teeth in danger. 

This doesn't mean that you should abandon your everyday routine. To protect your teeth, wear a mouth guard when participating in sports. You can also keep your teeth healthy by avoiding unhealthy habits that might lead to tooth damage.

4. Root canal infection

A root canal infection is an infection of the soft tissue found inside each tooth. Infection of this soft tissue can cause severe pain and suffering. When endodontic therapy fails to save a tooth, tooth extraction may be the only effective option.

5. Poor eating habits

The practice of consuming unhealthy foods, which results in tooth decay is the most frequent cause of tooth loss. Every meal we consume has an immediate impact on our health. Foods with high sugar content are the ones that cause tooth decay. 

It happens because bad oral bacteria use the sweets you eat to produce acids that eventually erode your tooth enamel. Cavities can grow deeper into the tooth enamel and inside the layers of your teeth, causing pain and, finally, tooth loss.

6. Missing teeth

You risk losing other teeth if you don't replace your missing teeth. Your remaining teeth will move, increasing the likelihood of gum disease and additional tooth loss, but you'll also put greater strain on them and increase their tendency to fracture. Dental implants are an excellent replacement for lost teeth. They can be used to replace a single tooth or numerous, and they can help save your natural teeth.

7. Smoking

Smoking causes so many threats to health that it's surprising that someone still does it today. And, just in case you needed another incentive to stop, remember that smoking causes tooth loss. 

According to one research, males lose 2.9 teeth for every ten years they smoke, whereas women lose 1.5 teeth for every ten years they smoke. According to other research, smokers are twice as likely as nonsmokers to lose their teeth. Why take the chance? Please get help if you are having difficulty quitting smoking on your own.