Tooth loss affects millions of people around the world, resulting in a decline in oral function, dental health, and even self-esteem. You can restore oral capabilities and the look of your smile with tooth replacement treatment from your dentist.
But ideally, you would want to avoid tooth loss in the first place and preserve your natural dental structure. You can better accomplish this when you know what problems could cause you to lose a tooth. Read on to learn about three common reasons your tooth might fall out of its socket.
3 Causes of Tooth Loss
Advanced Gum Disease
The leading cause of tooth loss in the United States is advanced gum disease. This infection of the gum tissue is common, affecting about half of adults. But without intervention from your dentist, gum disease can cause irreversible dental damage.
It begins as gingivitis, which presents with inflamed gums. But as the infection advances, bacteria start to eat away at the tooth root and jawbone too. This may cause a tooth to fall out.
Gum disease will not go away on its own. Your dentist will need to thoroughly clean your teeth, especially deep in the gum pockets, to get rid of the infection. Practice good oral hygiene to keep gum disease at bay, including attending routine teeth cleanings at your dentist’s office.
Severe Tooth Damage
If a tooth sustains severe structural damage, it may fall out of its socket. One way this can occur is if you have advanced tooth decay. A majority of people will develop at least one cavity in their lives.
Dentists can treat this early form of tooth decay with a dental filling. But if you do not treat this problem promptly, the decay will worsen. If it penetrates deep into the pulp of the tooth, it could sustain enough damage that the tooth will dislodge.
Attend regular check-ups with your dentist so that they can spot and treat cavities before they worsen. If you notice symptoms like discoloration or tooth pain, schedule an oral exam with your dentist.
Facial Trauma
Even with diligent preventative dental care, accidents can occur that may cause you to lose a tooth. For instance, a blow to the face creates impact trauma that generates enough pressure that could cause a tooth to dislodge.
But if you act quickly, a dentist might be able to save this tooth and put it back in its place after this dental injury. Call your dentist right away if you suffer this type of accident. They will likely schedule you for an emergency dentist appointment.
Bring the tooth with you to this appointment and handle it by its crown rather than the sensitive root when possible. If you can, place the tooth gently back into its socket to keep it preserved. If you cannot do this, carry the tooth in a container so that it is submerged in saliva. The dentist can provide you with tooth replacement solutions if replacing your natural tooth is not feasible.