Are you concerned about tooth loss?
You may think that because you brush and floss daily as well as visit your dentist on a regular basis that, short of a car or sporting accident, you’re not likely to lose a tooth. However, here are five unexpected factors that you may not be aware of and that just may lead to tooth loss.
Breathing Through Your Mouth
According to a recent study from the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, “Mouth breathing during sleep can dry up saliva, which is an important defense mechanism for preventing the mouth from becoming too acidic.” Acidity leads to loss of tooth enamel and an increase in tooth decay (cavities).
If you believe you may be breathing through your mouth, talk to your doctor. A partially blocked airway may be causing your mouth breathing.
Being a Male over the Age of 35
As tough as your teeth may be, older men run a higher risk of tooth loss, according to WebMD. Specifically, men over the age of 35 who smoke, have certain chronic diseases, and have poor oral health habits are more likely to suffer from tooth loss.
Naturally, the best way to prevent tooth loss is to brush, floss, and regularly visit your dentist. However, if you smoke, stop now. And if you have certain chronic diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure, be sure to notify your dentist.
Ignoring Dental Cavities
Cavities form when you repeatedly expose your teeth to the acids in your mouth such as by eating lots of sugary and starchy food and not brushing afterward. Spots begin to form where minerals are lost; when you lose too many minerals, tooth decay occurs.
Good oral hygiene is the No. 1 defense against cavities. However, if they do occur, your dentist can repair it with a filling.
Improperly Positioned Teeth
When you have poorly aligned teeth, it can be difficult to clean them. In moderate to severe cases, malocclusion can make your teeth more prone to plaque buildup and periodontal disease because of their improper alignment.
It’s important to speak with your dentist to determine the best course of treatment for your dental problem. Braces might be a great option for realigning your teeth and improving your ability to floss and brush.
Not Replacing Other Lost Teeth
Losing teeth can result in a chain reaction. If you lose one and do nothing about it, your jawbone may deteriorate or the surrounding teeth may become displaced as they try to fill the empty space. This jawbone resorption and shifting of teeth can result in more lost teeth.
If you have lost one or more teeth, it’s time to speak with your dentist about the best course of treatment. Perhaps dental implants are in order. Don’t allow tooth loss or any of these other factors destroy your smile. Speak with your dentist today.
Are you concerned about tooth loss? If you are in the NJ area and are looking for the best dentist to discuss your concerns with contact Suburban Essex Dental. Dr. Paul Feldman has been voted “Top Dentist” in the New Jersey Monthly for 7 years and still going strong. Suburban Essex Dental is located in West Orange, NJ in Suburban Essex County.
