Vigorbuddy.com | What to Do in the Event of Losing Your Teeth | Did you know that by the age of 17, about 7% of Americans have lost at least one permanent tooth as a cause of decay? In fact, the older people get, the higher their chances of losing permanent teeth.
Losing teeth is actually very common, and there are several things you can do if you find yourself in the situation. Of course, good oral hygiene is crucial for prevention, but losing teeth can happen due to other dental health reasons.
If losing teeth is one of your biggest fears, you are certainly not alone. Keep reading to find out the major causes of this issue, and how to treat it if it were to happen to you.
Major Causes
As children, everyone loses their baby teeth at some point. However, as adults, this is more of a rare occurrence. The following are the most common causes of tooth loss in adults:
Tooth Decay
This is a major cause for losing teeth, even though in most cases it is preventable. This issue begins as a tiny hole in the tooth enamel that invites bacteria into worsening the issue.
The first stages of this dental issue are barely noticeable. That is why getting regular checkups at the dentist and being consistent with your oral hygiene is crucial.
Gum Disease
This is another issue that starts with a small change within the oral environment. When this happens, a substance called tartar builds up in the gums, causing bleeding, and infection. This pushes the teeth away, many times leading to pretty rapid tooth loss.
Unfortunately, tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. Therefore, going to the dentist is crucial for getting this under control and preventing tooth loss.
What to Do in Case Of Losing Teeth
If you lose teeth unexpectedly, or due to one of those causes, there are a few things you can do. First, you should call your dentist immediately.
Regardless of the reason, alerting your dentist’s office is crucial. They will help you determine the best option for you. In addition, if there is an underlying issue that caused the tooth loss, they will point it out, and potentially help you avoid losing more teeth.
When you call, they might ask you to come in and bring in the lost tooth, so make sure to keep it and clean it up. If you move fast during this situation, your chances of preserving the tooth become higher.
If preserving your original tooth is not an option, getting dentures or dental implants is a pretty good solution. Check out this guide to learn everything you need to know about this.
Keep Calm and Clean Your Teeth
Losing permanent teeth is pretty common. However, if you maintain consistent oral hygiene, your chances of losing teeth become much smaller. Visit your dentist regularly, and make sure you are brushing and flossing at least two times a day.
If you know the causes, prevention, and plan of action, you are more likely to either avoid this issue or know how to act in case it happens.
For more tips and tricks, make sure to check out our blog!