People Lose Their Teeth and Turn to Dental Implants for Many Reasons
Everyone loses teeth when they’re kids and it’s generally not a big deal because new teeth will grow in soon after. However, losing a tooth as an adult can lead to significant, long-term effects on both your oral health and your overall health. When California Dental Group tells our patients to brush several times a day, floss regularly, and try to keep high-sugar foods to a minimum, we hope they’re listening to us!
That said, oral hygiene is only one of the reasons a person may lose their teeth. An overall poor diet can lead to significant problems, including tooth decay. Unfortunately, if tooth decay isn’t treated correctly, it can lead to losing teeth.
The potential causes and consequences of losing teeth
Do you know why tooth decay occurs? Plaque, which is a clear and sticky substance, forms between a person’s teeth and gums. Bacteria that’s present in the plaque essentially feeds on the sugars you eat, and then acid is released. This acid can attack your teeth for as long as twenty minutes after you eat. Eventually, this acid will destroy the enamel on your teeth – which is the hardest part of your teeth – and your teeth will decay.
Other causes of tooth damage
The reality is that poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of tooth damage but it’s not the only cause. At California Dental Group, we see damage caused by bruxism, which is grinding of teeth or jaw clenching. In fact, about 40 million people in the U.S. have bruxism. Over time, it can lead to chipped, worn down teeth, and it can even fracture teeth.
Sports injuries are another common cause of tooth damage. For example, a rough sport with lots of contact like football can lead to tooth damage or facture. This is especially true if you don’t wear the right mouth guard. Other sports that commonly cause damage to the teeth include basketball, hockey, and some martial arts.
You can lose a tooth at any age
Tooth loss becomes more likely as populations age, but everyone is at risk to losing a tooth. One study showed that more than one in four people lose an adult tooth for the first time between the ages of 21 and 30. Losing even a single tooth can lead to difficulty chewing, speech problems, weakening of the rest of your teeth, and a stiff jaw.
Implants may be the answer to your lost teeth
If you’ve lost a tooth then dental implants may be the right choice for you. When you work with California Dental Group, we’ll provide a comprehensive assessment and let you know what all your options are. Implants, when cared for properly, can last as long as 50 years and are often the top choice, but they’re not the only choice. Call us at (800) 407-0161 to set up an appointment.
