Causes of Missing Teeth
The smile is our business card. Therefore, oral health is usually one of the first personal care measures we learn during childhood. Despite this, tooth loss is a serious problem that still affects many people around the world.
The absence of one or more teeth significantly impairs the ability to chew and digest food. It also generates social, psychological and emotional consequences that impact quality of life, self-image and self-esteem.
We are all familiar with basic oral hygiene care: avoiding excess sugar, brushing your teeth and flossing. However, when it comes to preserving the lifespan of our teeth, there are still some lessons to learn.
Causes
The problem of missing teeth can affect people of all ages. The reasons are varied from case to case.
Poor hygiene
Poor oral hygiene, lack of regular brushing and irregular use of dental floss can be causes of tooth decay. This type of injury causes real holes that weaken the roots of the teeth and cause them to fall out.
Periodontitis
This is the main cause of tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bones that support the teeth. As it advances, it destroys the gum tissue and bone and, as a result, the teeth become loose. Typically, gum disease is painless and therefore difficult to diagnose. The initial symptoms of the problem include swelling, redness, bleeding gums, and discomfort during brushing.
Excess sugar
Tooth loss can also occur due to high sugar intake, which favors tooth decay and weakening of the enamel coating in the region. Certain acidic foods, such as pickles and citrus fruits, can also cause tooth erosion.
Chemical substances
Using certain drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, can trigger the release of acids in the body, which can affect the health of the mouth and cause tooth loss. Some medications used to control blood pressure also lead to tooth loss.
Low frequency of dental appointments
Many people suffer from phobia, anxiety or fear of going to the dentist and do not seek dental treatment, even if they know they have a problem or are in pain. Others are ashamed or embarrassed to seek help because they feel they will be judged negatively for the condition of their teeth. However, you need to overcome your fear: ignoring tooth decay or other serious dental problems can prolong and worsen the condition.
Illnesses and accidents
Some treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunosuppressant medications, weaken the immune system. As a result, they are capable of increasing the risk of dental infections and, consequently, the need for extraction. Additionally, systemic conditions such as heart and respiratory disease, diabetes, HIV infection, malnutrition, and immunosuppression are associated with forms of periodontitis that often result in tooth loss.
Tooth loss can also be caused by injuries, due to accidental falls or while playing sports.
Difficulty accessing treatments
Some people have to postpone or forgo dental appointments and procedures, including regular cleanings, due to the high costs of dental care. However, prolonging or eliminating care increases the chances of the patient developing serious problems and, as a result, having to spend more on repairs. Fortunately, today it is possible to have more affordable dental plans, and to work with your dentist to decide how best to pay for tooth replacement, as they may also have in-office options like payment plans.