Missing Teeth—A Common Problem

Missing teeth are more common than you might think. There are so many different reasons why a person might have a missing tooth or two, varying from lifestyle choices to genetics. If you are one of the many people with one or more missing teeth, know you’re not alone! There are options out there for you to make that smile the best that it can be!

Top Reasons for Missing Teeth

Tooth Decay

It’s a common misconception that we will feel a cavity if it starts to form. That’s not always the case. They can be sneaky, burrowing into the root of the tooth and creating all sorts of irrevocable damage to the teeth and surrounding tissue. In fact, it’s common not to feel a cavity at all when it’s still on the enamel.

If this tooth decay is allowed to continue, the cavity will burrow on and destroy the tooth. This can result in tooth loss. In fact, the decay can even spread to the neighboring teeth and continue the cycle.

Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Gum disease itself is so common it’s thought that two out of five adults over the age of 30 have it.

If gum disease is left to its own devices, it creates gaps between the gums and the teeth, leaving room for bacteria to sneak into the crevices and eat away at the teeth and surrounding tissue. Over time, this leads to tooth loss.

Injury or Trauma

Accidents happen, no matter how much we try to prevent them. Sometimes things happen during an intense sports practice, other times, there’s a car accident on the way to work. Unfortunately, these accidents create injuries and trauma to otherwise healthy teeth. These injuries can result in damaged or broken teeth that can fall out over time.

Genetics

Did you know that genetics play a role in tooth loss? In fact, there is even a rare disorder called anodontia that results in some teeth never coming in at all. There is also a genetic disorder called amelogenesis imperfecta that can make it where your teeth don’t have the protective coating of enamel at all.

Medical Conditions

As we go through life, it’s not uncommon to develop certain health conditions. We try to manage them the best we can, but they still make their mark on our bodies. Certain medical conditions can even impact tooth health, whether through medications or the symptoms themselves.

Diabetes is a common one. One of the symptoms is a lack of saliva production, which can easily lead to dental problems. Sjorgens syndrome is another one that does the same thing. Our bodies produce saliva to help keep our teeth healthy and get rid of bacteria. When there isn’t enough, this can create all sorts of problems.

What You Can Do About Missing Teeth

It can be hard to have missing teeth. You think everyone is looking at you, that everyone comes to the worst possible conclusion when they notice. Thankfully, there are restorative dentistry options to bring your smile to its former glory.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are growing in popularity, as they can be treated just like your natural teeth and blend in seamlessly. These are done in several appointments. First, the area has to be prepped for the post, which the crown (the visible part of the tooth) will affix to. When the post has completely healed under the gumline, you come back in to get the crown fitted. Then, you can smile as if nothing was ever amiss.

Dental Bridges

If you have several missing teeth, dental bridges just might be the answer for you! They adhere to the remaining teeth on either side of the gap, and then “bridge” the gap to restore your smile!

Dentures

Dentures might just be one of the most well-known options for missing teeth. These work best if you have a gap of two or more teeth that needs to be filled, and they come in both partial and full sets.

Preventive Measures

Preventing tooth loss is always the best option. True, there are things in life that are unavoidable, but it’s best to do what we can to keep our teeth safe. Keep up with your daily oral care routine by brushing for two minutes twice a day, and flossing at least once. This does more than you might realize to keep tooth decay at bay!

Regular Dental Checkups

Avoiding dental checkups is more common than you might think. Unfortunately, that means a lot of people miss signs of problems before they happen. This leaves them scrambling to fix the result instead of preventing it altogether. Keep those appointments—we just want to keep your teeth healthy!

Ready to Smile?

As with any dental treatment, it is important to consult a dental professional before acting. We here at Bold Dental are ready to talk you through any concerns you might have and help you reach the best treatment option for you and your lifestyle. You can request an appointment for a consultation online in just a few steps. We look forward to helping your smile be the best that it can be!