Our Dental Blog

Preventing Adult Tooth Loss

December 26, 2018
An old lady looking in mirror

Losing your tooth as a grown-up is a whole different experience than losing a tooth when you are a child. When you are a kid, you put your lost tooth under your pillow and wait for the Tooth Fairy to bring you some cash. As an adult, if you experience tooth loss, you may feel panicked about the new void in your smile. Unlike when you are a child, an adult tooth will not soon be replaced by another tooth. Tooth loss as an adult is permanent unless your dentist helps you to restore your smile. The team at Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO can help you replace a lost tooth with a dental implant

Maintain Your Smile

One of the most important ways you can prevent tooth loss is to stay on top of your smile’s health. Brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist at least twice a year are the routine acts of maintenance that keep your teeth intact. Going to the dentist on a regular schedule allows for potential issues to be spotted and addressed.

Keep Your Gums Healthy

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. When the disease is advanced, the gum tissue can recede so much that the tooth loses the supportive structure keeping it in place. Preventing gum disease can lower your tooth loss risk. If you do develop periodontal disease, regular maintenance with deep cleanings can help keep tooth loss from occurring.

Other Risk Factors

The habitual act of grinding your teeth can leave your teeth vulnerable to damage or decay. Smoking cigarettes, having dry mouth, or being of an older age can all increase your chances of experiencing tooth loss as an adult. If you have a higher amount of risk, it is important to go to your dentist on a routine basis to help protect your smile from tooth loss.

Tooth Loss Is Often Preventable

If you have experienced adult tooth loss, it is important to take restore your smile with a replacement tooth. To schedule a consultation, call Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.