Private & NHS Dentists – Dental Practice Post House, Surrey

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What causes tooth loss, is the number one question that most people have when their tooth becomes loose. Taking care of our teeth goes far beyond simply brushing with toothpaste and flossing between our teeth every day.

While it is good to establish a daily dental hygiene routine to follow at home, we still need to make sure we have regular check-ups with our dentist to make sure everything is alright with our teeth and gums.

Despite our awareness to not over-consume sugary foods and drinks, we as a nation still consume too much sugar and starchy foods that quickly turn to sugar in our digestive systems. We could still do a lot more to help preserve our teeth, especially knowing that our teeth are supposed to last a lifetime!

Regardless of how well you take care of your teeth, there may be situations that arise where you may suffer from tooth loss. This can be caused by a wide range of reasons, some accidental and others are unavoidable. Let’s take a look at some of the main causes of tooth loss in the UK.

1. Accidental tooth loss

Sometimes you can get one or more teeth knocked out of your mouth accidentally. This is usually following an impact injury of some sort, either from an accident or suffering from a sporting injury.

Whether it’s from getting hit with a cricket ball to your jaw, having a car accident or slipping and falling onto a hard surface in icy weather – Your teeth can get knocked out in the process.

Wearing a mouth guard is the best advice for sport players to help prevent tooth loss. However, if you do experience this, then the best cause of action is to see if you can put the tooth back into place in your mouth and get an emergency appointment with your dentist ASAP.

If your tooth cannot be put back into place immediately, then wrap it in a tissue or put it in a small container of milk and see your dentist quickly. Your dentist may be able to preserve your tooth and even put it back into its rightful position!

2. Tooth decay

The food and drink you consume can contain a lot of sugar or acid that will affect the health of your teeth and gums. For example, did you know that it takes a full hour for the PH levels in your mouth to return to normal following a meal?

Your teeth can suffer from decay that eats away at your teeth. If left untreated, this can result in your tooth needing to be removed. If you must consume sweet or acidic food, try to eat or drink it in one go rather than make it last all day. This allows your mouth to return to its normal PH level as quickly as possible.

3. Smoking and poor dental hygiene

We all know that smoking can negatively impact your health, but many smokers are unaware that it can also be a cause for poor oral health and tooth loss. The nicotine and other chemicals contained in the smoke from cigarettes can contribute to receding gums and gum disease. Developing gingivitis and exposing the roots of your teeth to bacteria will lead to periodontal disease. This has not only been linked to cardiovascular disease but may also cause your teeth to loosen and become weak.

If you can quit smoking, this will greatly cut the risk of damaging your teeth and gums as well as your risk of developing mouth cancer and other diseases.

It is important to make an appointment to see your dentist if you have any issues with your teeth. Whether you have sustained an injury to your mouth, or have tooth pain that doesn’t go away. Your dentist may be able to treat you and save you from suffering tooth loss.