What Causes Tooth Loss In Adults?

We don’t mean to scare you, but all the sugar in that Valentine’s Day candy (that you no doubt enjoyed consuming) only feeds the dangerous bacteria in your mouth that contributes to tooth decay and gum disease. And gum disease is the #1 reason for tooth loss among American adults. You don’t have to give up the occasional sweet treat, but you do need to keep up with your regular dental checkups, and you ought to know the other factors that could wreck your smile if ignored. Keep reading to hear more about it, and then be sure to get in touch with our L.A. dentist’s office to schedule your consultation.

Growing Older

Getting older has certain advantages. That said, as we age, our bodies change, and unanticipated problems can develop. You might be surprised to learn that in regards to tooth loss the trouble risks can increase by your mid-30s. After that, all bets are off!

Being Male

Sorry gentlemen! It’s a fact that men tend to lose a lot more teeth than women. So, you will need to be extra diligent as a man. Even more so once you pass a certain age!

Poor Hygiene

This one should be apparent. Here’s the deal: if you don’t keep your teeth free of plaque bacteria you’re almost certain to end up with decay and gum disease that will lead to widespread tooth loss. So, brush, floss, and rinse regularly and come see us often, which brings us to our next factor…

Your Professional Care

Regular dental checkups could save your smile as well as your life. That’s because we can screen for cancer and other bad things every time you come in for a cleaning and oral exam. It is always better to know what is unfolding before it becomes a more painful and costly mess to clean up.

Your Habits

Tobacco smoke is a big risk factor for gum disease as well as tooth loss. This is due to the fact that it changes the bacterial balance of your mouth. The hard truth is that if you’re a lifelong smoker it’s almost a sure thing that you’ll eventually need to replace some teeth. It’s not worth it!

Your Sugar Intake

Folks with diabetes are at extreme risk for gum disease (which is in turn the leading cause of tooth loss). Just be careful. Watch out for added sugars.

Your Blood Pressure

Gum disease (and related tooth loss) and high-blood pressure are definitely correlated but it seems to work in both directions.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

We hope this blog post has been helpful. If you are hoping to hang onto your natural smile, we can help! It is recommended that new patients at Westwood Dental Smiles have complete Digital Dental X-rays taken, to be repeated every 3-5 years or depending on the patient’s history. That way we can stay in-tune with the situation in your mouth.

To learn more and get started, contact our Los Angeles, CA dentist’s office today!