The most common cause of losing teeth, tooth loss in children, also happens to be the healthiest. When growing up, all children lose their baby teeth, a process which makes way for the adult set of teeth. Other common causes of tooth loss, that mostly occur in adults, aren't so healthy, such as tooth decay, periodontal disease, and tooth injury. Most negative causes of tooth loss are preventable with proper oral hygiene.
Tooth decay is one of the most common causes of losing one's teeth. Decay occurs as a result of developing cavities, which are tiny holes in a tooth that can grow and cause infection. Cavities most often result from a lack of brushing and flossing one's teeth, which allows damaging plaque buildup. Plaque, along with sugar and foods on the surface of the teeth, break down a tooth's protective layering over time. If the decay is caught in time, a dentist or other tooth specialist can typically save the tooth. If the tooth can't be saved, one can get dental implants.
The other major case of tooth loss is gum, or periodontal, disease. Periodontal disease causes the gums to become swollen and puffy. If left untreated, it can erode the gums as well as damage the bones that keep teeth in place.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, resulting in puffy and swollen gums that can feel painful. Periodontitis is the most extreme form of gum disease. It can not only cause teeth loss, but increase the risk of strokes and heart conditions. Periodontal disease, like cavities, can be easily prevented by brushing and flossing regularly.
The other major cause of tooth loss is physical trauma. One of the common reasons for physical tooth trauma is teeth grinding and clenching, also known as bruxism. Some people grind their teeth as a bad habit to relieve stress; others grind their teeth during sleep without even realizing it. People can save their teeth from grinding damage by investing in a mouth guard to wear during sleep.
Sports injuries are another major reason why people lose teeth. High-contact sports such as hockey, football, and boxing greatly increase one's chance of sustaining serious mouth injury. To protect the teeth, many athletes are required to wear athletic mouth guards.
It's important to keep in mind that adults only get one set of teeth. It's true that lost teeth can be replaced with dental implants, but such surgeries are very costly, not to mention painful. Proper tooth care also reduces one's chances of developing other complications, such as hearts attacks and strokes.
