Losing a tooth is normal – especially during your younger years. However, it might not be the case when you grow older. Losing a tooth during your adult years is not fine as it can impact your appearance, self-confidence and the way you talk. Most people just want to keep their teeth for a lifetime. While there are ways on how you can have a complete set of teeth when you suffer from tooth loss, it is still better to keep your original and permanent teeth. Having normal, original teeth can allow you to eat just about anything without restrictions compared to having artificial teeth.

Who is at risk of tooth loss?

Anyone can lose a tooth at a certain point in their life but there are those who have a higher risk of experiencing it, especially those who are not following proper oral hygiene. The best way to have a healthier set of teeth is to take care of them through proper brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly. All these are the key components in maintaining excellent oral health. Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several conditions that can increase your risk of experiencing tooth loss. 

Here are the most common causes of tooth loss:

• Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is an oral condition that involves inflammation and infection of the gums. But it doesn’t stop there; periodontal disease can also affect the ligaments and bone that support your teeth. Periodontal disease occurs when there is a plaque formation on your teeth and hardens into tartar. When it does, your gum tissue can become inflamed, easily bleed and pull away from your tooth. 

• Pregnancy

Pregnant women are more exposed to tooth loss due to hormonal changes. During pregnancy, raised levels of estrogen and progesterone can possibly affect the bones and tissues in the mouth. These abnormal hormonal changes can alter periodontium. When it happens, one or more teeth may feel loose. This change may go away after pregnancy but during the process, it is recommended to see a dentist to rule out other possible causes of tooth loss such as gum diseases and other oral health conditions.

• Osteoporosis

This condition can affect both men and women. Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens that bone; and while it can affect the spine and hips, it can also cause damage to the bones in the jaw that supports the teeth. When it occurs, it makes the teeth loose and falls out. According to experts, women with osteoporosis are three times more likely to experience tooth loss compared to women without osteoporosis.

Preventing tooth loss

Tooth loss can happen to anyone at any time but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of having it or prevent it from happening such as:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day
• Flossing once a day
• Not smoking
• Regular check-up with your dentist
• Wearing dental appliances when necessary or advised by the doctor

To an adult, a loose tooth is alarming but when the problem is detected early, it can be saved. However, for severe cases, there are restorative dental methods and procedures that can give you the appearance of a natural tooth.