Tooth loss is a very real dental issue that can happen to anyone. While several treatment options are available today, everyone should practice extra diligent oral hygiene to preserve their existing teeth. But, several factors might encourage you to take added precautions against tooth loss.

The Top Circumstances Related to Tooth Loss

According to the Journal of Periodontology, there are nine risk factors for tooth loss related to gum disease – the #1 reason for tooth loss. A study conducted by Khalaf Al-Shammari, DDS, MS, and colleagues in Kuwait’s Ministry of Health discovered common traits that increased the chances of losing teeth:

 

  • Age – Those over 35 years old
  • Gender – Males are more often affected
  • Negligence – Lack of professional preventive dentistry
  • Inconsistent routine – Failing to brush daily
  • Two unhealthy lifestyle habits – Smoking and high-sugar diets
  • Three prevalent medical concerns – Diabetes, high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis

Aside from gum disease-related factors, cavities, injury or trauma, and poor nutrition are the main reasons we treat tooth loss.

Tooth Loss Facts

The study elaborated on the relationship between these factors and tooth loss with the following statistics:

  • Front teeth are the teeth most commonly lost due to gum disease.
  • Approximately three out of every ten people who experience tooth loss are smokers or ex-smokers.
  • Roughly 40% of tooth loss sufferers never received dental services.
  • 60% of people who lost their teeth never or rarely brushed them.
  • 1/5th of patients with tooth loss had type 2 diabetes, confirming the correlation between diabetes and gum disease
  • 1/10th of patients also had high blood pressure; however, more research is needed to define this link.
  • While men and those over 35 are most affected by tooth loss, studies also revealed that post-menopausal women are highly affected by gum disease.
  • Untreated cavities may damage the pulp in the middle of the tooth, resulting in possible tooth removal.
  • Sports, falls, car accidents and using teeth as tools to remove or tear things are the leading causes of tooth injury or trauma.

Note: While this study resulted from the care of 1,775 patients at 21 randomly chosen Kuwaiti dental clinics and found valid links between rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and gum disease mirrored across the planet, more tests are needed to define the precise causality.

What You Can Do To Avoid Tooth Loss

While you can’t hold off time or change your gender, you can recommit to new, improved lifestyle habits to hold onto your teeth.

  • Schedule a dental appointment every six months for a complete checkup and dental cleaning to ensure the health of your teeth.
  • Brush and floss twice daily without exception
  • Take measures to help you quit smoking.
  • Choose healthier food options and avoid added sugars to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
  • If you play sports, a mouth guard can help preserve your smile.
  • Refrain from using teeth to chew ice and other hard objects, or to remove caps or tear off tags
  • Follow your doctor’s directions to manage your health issues and get regular medical checkups and care.
Tooth Loss Solutions

You are an original, and your teeth should be too. But, in the event of tooth loss, advancements in dental implants, fixed and removable partial and full dentures, make tooth replacement easier and more natural looking. If you or a family member has a tooth knocked out, the team at New Look Dental can help you with emergency dental care to save your tooth!