Tooth loss: causes, prevention and treatment
Causes
Tooth loss is only pathological in adulthood. Children from approximately the age of 6 until the age of 13 go through a natural tooth loss process, during which their milk teeth are replaced by a set of permanent teeth. This is a natural process and in most cases it does not require any medical intervention. Tooth loss in adulthood is a major issue however. Its primary causes are tooth decay, dental trauma and periodontal disease which have been left without treatment. Tooth decay is mostly caused by poor oral hygiene and diets high in sugar, which result in an increased microbial presence in the oral cavity. The acids these species secrete can contribute to the degradation of our teeth’s mineral content, which might result in tooth decay. If the decay reaches the innermost layer, the pulp tissue, the tooth is likely to be lost. Periodontal disease is also caused by oral microbial overgrowth, which triggers chronic inflammation in the gum tissue. This can damage the gum in the long run if left untreated. If you are interested in getting dental implants Herefordshire, to address tooth loss we would be happy to treat you, restoring full functionality to your mouth.
Prevention
As described above, the leading causes of tooth loss are advanced periodontal disease and tooth decay and also traumatic injury. Tooth decay can be prevented by mitigating the factors that can cause it. First and foremost, make sure you maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and also use dental floss. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also help keep the number of bacteria in your oral cavity under control. Reducing the amount of sugar you consume in a day can also help prevent and inhibit the growth of acid producing bacteria on the surface of your teeth, as these species feast on the residual sugar left on your teeth after consuming a meal or a drink. It is also important to prevent dental injuries from happening. Certain activities, including sports and even some occupations may increase your risk of suffering an accident, which can lead to the loss of a tooth or multiple teeth. Wear a mouthguard when engaging with these activities. If tooth loss has already happened to you, there is no reason to worry: get in touch with us if you are interested in getting dental implants Herefordshire.
Dental implants
Dental implants Herefordshire are an innovative way of treating tooth loss. These are small titanium devices, which are inserted into the jawbone via surgery. The implants, thanks to their main component being titanium, integrate into the jawbone and act as an artificial root upon which the replacement teeth are attached, once the wound resulting from the operation has healed properly. The healing time counted from the operation is usually between 4-6 months. After this, your replacement teeth are manufactured and attached onto the implants. Dental implants are very strong and durable, and if cared for properly, they can last a lifetime. If you are interested in getting dental implants, do not hesitate to book an appointment with us at Warrendale Dental.