Have you ever woken up to find one of your teeth on the pillow next to you? Or maybe you noticed a tooth getting loose and falling out on its own. Losing a tooth is definitely a cause for alarm, but it’s not always as bad as it seems. In fact, most people will lose at least one tooth by the time they’re 50 years old.
There are many reasons why teeth may fall out, including gum disease, decay, injury, and childbirth. In most cases, teeth that have fallen out can be saved if they’re treated quickly. Keep reading to learn more about why teeth fall out and what you can do to prevent it from happening.
7 Main Causes of Teeth Falling Out
There are many different reasons why teeth may fall out. The most common causes include:
1. Gum disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the number one cause of tooth loss in American adults. This infection begins to destroy both the gum tissue and the jaw bone — both of which help hold teeth in place. Without this support structure, teeth will become loose and eventually fall out.
Gum disease occurs when bacteria work their way up under the gum tissue and settle in, causing an infection. This infection can be treated if caught early, but if it’s not taken care of, it will begin to destroy both the gum tissue and the jaw bone — both of which help hold teeth in place. Without this support structure, teeth will become loose and eventually fall out.
Periodontal disease is a serious infection that requires prompt treatment to prevent tooth loss. If you think you may have periodontal disease, see your dentist right away.
2. Tooth decay
Tooth decay is another common cause of tooth loss. Decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that eat away at the tooth enamel. This can lead to a small hole called a cavity. If the decay isn’t treated, it will continue to spread and eventually reach the root of the tooth. At this point, the tooth may need to be removed.
3. Cavities
Almost everyone has had a cavity at one point and knows how uncomfortable it can be. A cavity is essentially a tiny hole in a tooth that can affect the inner workings of the tooth where the nerves and roots are held. This can result in the all too familiar zing of tooth pain. Cavities can be treated quickly and easily by your dentist if they’re caught early. However, when they’re left untreated, cavities can destroy a tooth from the inside out and either require a root canal or result in a lost tooth.
4. Injury
An injury to the mouth can damage teeth and cause them to fall out. Physical trauma to the mouth can also lead to tooth loss. A fall, car accident, or blow to the face can all damage your teeth and cause them to fall out. Sometimes, a knocked-out tooth can be re-implanted by a dentist, but this is not always possible.
5. Childbirth
For women who have just given birth, it’s not uncommon for teeth to become
Childbirth: Some women experience tooth loss during childbirth due to the increased levels of hormones in the body during pregnancy. This is usually temporary, and the teeth will grow back in on their own within a few months.
6. Infection
Infection of the tooth root (known as an abscess) is one of the most serious problems that can lead to tooth loss. An abscess is a pus-filled sac that forms around the end of the tooth root due to bacteria. The pressure from the abscess can cause the tooth to become loose and eventually fall out. If you have an abscess, you should see a dentist immediately. If the infection is left untreated, it could spread to other parts of your body and cause serious illness.
7. Serious Health issues
Are you concerned about losing your teeth? You’re not alone. Other common causes of tooth loss in adults don’t initially appear to have anything to do with the mouth and actually originate and directly affect other areas of the body. However, there is a strong correlation between what happens in our bodies and what happens in our mouths. Therefore, several whole-body health concerns can increase the risk of tooth loss, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Poor diet
- Arthritis
These conditions can seriously impact oral health, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. So if you’re worried about losing your teeth, make sure to take care of your whole body and see your doctor if you have any concerns.
My teeth are falling out what should I do?
If you have a tooth that has fallen out, it’s important to seek treatment right away. The sooner you receive treatment, the greater the chances are that your tooth can be saved. Several options for treating missing teeth include dentures, bridges, implants, and partial dentures.
Dentures are false teeth that are held in place by suction or adhesive.
Bridges are false teeth that are attached to surrounding teeth for support. Implants are false teeth that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. Partial dentures are false teeth that replace one or more missing teeth but are not attached to surrounding teeth for support.
Signs that your teeth are about to fall out
According to the American Dental Association, 69% of adults aged 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth due to an accident, tooth decay, or gum disease.
While losing a tooth may seem like a sudden and unexpected event, there are usually warning signs that precede it. If you know what to look for, you can take steps to save your tooth before it’s too late.
Here are four warning signs that you’re about to lose a tooth:
1. Your gums are swollen or bleeding.
If your gums are swollen or red, this could be a sign of gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is caused by a build-up of plaque on your teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which is a more severe form of gum disease that can eventually lead to tooth loss. Be sure to brush, floss, and use mouthwashes for gingvivitis regularly, and see your dentist if you notice any changes in your gum health.
2. You have persistent bad breath.
Bad breath (halitosis) is often caused by poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and bacteria can build up on your teeth and cause your breath to smell bad. Bad breath can also be a sign of periodontitis or other dental problems. See your dentist if you’re concerned about your breath odor.
3. You have loose teeth.
If your teeth feel loose or wiggly, this could be a sign that the tissues and bones supporting your teeth are beginning to deteriorate. This can happen due to gum disease, bone loss, or tooth decay. Be sure to see your dentist right away if you notice any looseness in your teeth.
4. You’re in pain when you bite down.
If you experience pain when you bite down on something hard (such as an ice cream cone), this could be a sign of tooth decay or other dental problems. Be sure to see your dentist right away if you experience any pain when biting down so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated accordingly. ` ` ` ` ` ` ` `
Best Way to Prevent Permanent Adult Tooth Loss
The best way to prevent tooth loss is to practice good oral hygiene habits and see a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day helps remove plaque from your teeth and gums, which reduces your risk of developing gum disease. Seeing a dentist every six months allows him or her to identify any problems in their early stages and take steps to treat them before they become serious enough to lead to tooth loss.
If you have any reason to believe that you might be at risk of losing a tooth, seek dental care immediately. Infections, gum disease, and physical trauma often develop gradually over time; seeking treatment early on increases your chances of saving your tooth before it falls out completely.
Missing Tooth Replacement Options
There are a few different options available for missing tooth replacement, and the best option for you will depend on your individual situation.
Dental Implants
One common option for missing tooth replacement is dental implants. Dental implants involve surgically placing a metal post into the jawbone to act as a new root for the artificial tooth. The metal post will fuse with the jawbone over time. Once the post has fused with the jawbone, a porcelain crown will be placed on top of the metal post to serve as the new tooth. Dental implants are considered to be a very strong and stable option for missing tooth replacement. They also have the added benefit of preventing bone loss in the jaw since they act as new roots. However, dental implants can be a very expensive option, and they require surgery.
Bridge
Another option for missing tooth replacement is a bridge. A bridge is made by attaching two crowns to the natural teeth on either side of the empty space left by the missing tooth. The artificial tooth is then attached to those two crowns, filling in the gap. Bridges are less expensive than dental implants and do not require surgery. However, bridges require that the natural teeth on either side of the gap be filed down in order to allow room for the crowns. In addition, bridges need to be replaced every 5-7 years as they will eventually wear down.
Partial denture
A partial denture is another option that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. A partial denture consists of an artificial tooth or teeth attached to a pink base that resembles gums. The partial denture is then held in place by clips or clasps which attach to natural teeth nearby. Partial dentures are less expensive than dental implants and bridges and do not require surgery or invasive procedures such as filing down natural teeth. However, partial dentures can sometimes be unstable and cause clicking when speaking or eating. In addition, partial dentures will need to be replaced every 5-7 years like bridges.
Key Takeaways:
- Several options for missing tooth replacement are available, including dental implants, bridges, and partial dentures.
- The best option for you will depend on your individual circumstances, such as budget and whether or not you are willing to undergo surgery.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing dental problems such as infection, physical trauma, or gum disease—or if you think you might be at risk for these problems—it’s important to seek dental care immediately in order to avoid losing your teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily, can help reduce your risk of developing these problems in the first place. And seeing a dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings allows him or her to identify any potential problems early on so they can be treated before they become more serious. Taking these precautions will help keep your smile healthy for years to come!
If you have a tooth that has fallen out or is loose, it’s important to seek treatment immediately to keep your smile healthy and intact!
