Causes and Treatments
Losing a tooth is expected in children and putting a lost tooth under a pillow in exchange for a reward is practiced in many cultures. After all, a new one grows in shortly after. When we age, however, tooth loss is not associated with regrowth. A lost tooth is gone forever. Since most lost teeth in adults can be traced to poor diet, dental hygiene, and avoiding dental visits, preventing the loss of our teeth requires responsibility and long-term commitment. Making that commitment is affordable with EDP Dental Plans.
What Causes Us to Lose Our Teeth?
The most common reason that adults lose their teeth is a poor dental hygiene practices. This occurs when food particles are not washed away and settle on our teeth as plaque. Over time plaque builds up and causes cavities to form as the bacteria plaque contains literally eats away tooth enamel. Plaque also causes gum infections or abscesses which develop into gum disease. These weaken the tissues that support teeth, which causes tooth loss.
Another reason people lose teeth is by not seeing their dentist. The expense and, for some, the fear of visiting a dentist overshadow their need for routine cleanings and checkups. Ultimately, this practice may cause a far greater expense when implants or dentures or bridges have to be made to compensate for tooth loss.
Should an elderly person begin to lose their teeth, this could signal a more serious illness such as dementia. This underscores the need for regular dental visits to ensure that changes in dental health are not symptoms of major health concerns.
How to Prevent Tooth Loss
Establishing a dental routine and eating right are the best ways to keep a mouthful of healthy teeth for a lifetime. Preventive dental care is the most successful way to avoid tooth loss. It is recommended that we brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Flossing twice a day and rinsing with mouthwash can only contribute to less bacteria formation in our mouths. Eat a diet with an adequate balance of protein, calcium and other nutrients and be sure to see your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups.
If you’ve been avoiding the dentist because you do not have dental insurance, call and speak with an EDP Dental Plan representative about our discount dental plans. These plans are not dental insurance, but offer substantial discounts on routine and specialized dental procedures at thousands of local dentists and specialists. The plans are affordable and there are no plan limits or treatment waiting periods. Speak with us to learn how a discount dental plan can protect you and your family’s dental health at (800) 777-1085.
