There are many different causes of tooth loss. Some of them are self-inflicted and some of them are unavoidable. Self-inflicted causes of tooth loss include poor dental hygiene, a poor diet, smoking, excessive drinking, and drug abuse.
Table of Contents
Smoking
Smoking is a major cause of tooth loss. It reduces the flow of saliva in the mouth. Reduced saliva causes a dry mouth which means less fluid to clean food particles and bacteria from your mouth. When food and bacteria remain in your mouth, it causes the development of plaque which is a sticky layer made up of these lingering food particles and bacteria. Plaque builds up on the surface of your teeth. If you do not brush your teeth properly, then in less than 48 hours the plaque will harden and become tartar. Tartar provides a greater surface area for more plaque to build up on your teeth. Bacteria in the plaque and tartar cause cavities, tooth decay and gum disease. This is because they release acids and toxins which can damage the teeth and gums. Tooth decay and gum disease progresses faster in smokers. Heat from smoking gradually weakens the tooth enamel, and metallic compounds in the smoke cause erosion which means your teeth are more susceptible to cavities and tooth decay.
Smoking weakens your immune system making it harder to fight a gum infection. Once the gums become damaged, smoking also makes it harder for your gums to heal. Smokers are also more likely to develop periodontitis which affects both the gums and bone supporting the teeth resulting in tooth loss. Smokers are also at a higher risk of developing mouth cancer. To prevent such dental health complications you need to stop smoking. Find out about smoking cessation today and save your teeth from irreversible damage and tooth loss.
Alcohol
Alcohol is linked to many dental health complications. Firstly, alcohol can cause dry mouth. As mentioned this increases plaque and tartar on your teeth, which in turn increases the chance of developing cavities, tooth decay and gum disease. The acid in alcohol wears down your teeth and leaves them vulnerable to decay. The sugar content of most alcoholic drinks is also high which increases your chance of tooth decay further. Drinking in moderation should not have a negative impact on your dental health but you need to maintain excellent dental hygiene and visit the dentist on a regular basis. It is important that if you are drinking excessively then you seek help.
Drug abuse
Drug abuse can also cause serious dental health complications. As with smoking and drinking, it can increase your chance of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and periodontal disease and with drug abuse you have added complications, such as jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and greater risk of accidents, which means your teeth are more prone to chips, cracks and breakage. If you are suffering from drug addiction, then you need to speak to your doctor or a medical professional and seek help as soon as possible.
Dental implant Melbourne
After you seek help for smoking, drinking or drug abuse, your dentist will be able to restore the health of your teeth and gums, slowly but surely. Often you may have to undergo a tooth extraction, or you may have missing teeth which need to be replaced. An excellent method of tooth replacement for adults who have lost their teeth early on in life is with a dental implant Melbourne. A dental implant Melbourne is a small titanium screw which replaces the root of your missing tooth. It can replace missing teeth that have been caused either as a result of dental health complications or an accident or injury. Dental health complications will need to be addressed beforehand and your dentist will put together the best treatment plan for you. You also need to manage your lifestyle choices and make sure that you do not revert to old habits otherwise this can affect your dental implant Melbourne.
It is very important that you look after your teeth carefully. However, if during the course of life you have neglected your dental hygiene or caused irreversible damage to your teeth, rest assured that dental implants can help you replace your missing teeth once and for all. Once you have undergone dental implant surgery you will need to maintain excellent dental hygiene and look after your teeth and gums very carefully. In this way, you will be able to smile happily and confidently and enjoy good dental health for the rest of your life. Speak to your dentist to find out more about replacing missing teeth, improving your dental health and improving your quality of life at the same time.
Disclaimer
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
