Though kids lose their baby teeth to grow their permanent teeth, losing an adult tooth can leave you with irreversible dental damage. You can suffer a decline in oral function and a blow to your self-esteem if you have gaps in your smile due to missing teeth. You can find tooth replacement solutions from your dentist though when you schedule an appointment.
If you know what causes tooth loss, you can take precautions to preserve your smile and avoid this major dental damage. Read on to learn about three dental problems that could lead to tooth loss without prompt dental intervention.
What Dental Issues Can Cause Teeth to Fall Out?
Advanced Gum Disease
The leading cause of tooth loss in the United States is gum disease. More than half of adults will suffer from this infection of the gum tissue which requires a dentist’s help to eradicate. The disease begins with inflamed gums. But it will progress to eat away at the teeth and jawbone to create lasting damage that can result in tooth loss.
If you notice swelling, soreness, or bleeding in your gums, these point to early symptoms of gum disease. Talk to your dentist about these issues because gum disease can be easier to treat when diagnosed early. You can keep your gums healthy with proper at-home dental care, including good oral hygiene practices.
Severe Tooth Decay
A majority of people will get a cavity at least once in their lives. A dentist will treat it easily with a dental filling. But if you delay cavity treatment, this tooth decay will worsen, eating away at more of your dental structure. It can progress from the outer layer of enamel and into the dentin and pulp of your tooth.
If the decay reaches the tooth root, the tooth might fall out. Seek prompt treatment for cavities and continue visiting your dentist for regular check-ups. A dentist can spot cavities during a routine exam that you might not have known were there. Then they can get rid of the decay before it causes this significant harm to your tooth.
Impact Trauma to the Face
Even with diligent preventative dental care, accidents can happen, such as a blow to the face, that can hurt our smiles. Harsh facial impact trauma may cause a tooth to fall out. But if you call your dentist right away, they might be able to reattach the tooth.
The dentist can schedule an emergency dental appointment to examine the damaged tooth and place it back in the mouth. In the meantime, handle the knocked-out tooth gently and keep it preserved by placing it back in its socket if you can. If this is not possible, keep the tooth submerged in saliva in a small container.
If the dentist cannot secure the tooth back into its socket, they can discuss restorative solutions with you to replace the tooth. Dental implants offer comprehensive benefits that can last a lifetime with proper care.