Tooth Loss
Many people assume that tooth loss is an inevitable result of age. However, most factors that contribute to tooth loss can be controlled much earlier in life. Proper oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily, can prevent decay and gum disease that can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Consuming foods and beverages that are high in sugar, carbohydrates and acid content can cause irreversible damage to the teeth and gums. The more frequently you consume these foods, without brushing or chewing gum to neutralize the harmful acids in the mouth, the more likely you are to get cavities and gum disease. Bad habits such as smoking and chewing tobacco can also lead to premature tooth loss.
Children, adults and seniors are all at risk for tooth loss, especially if proper oral hygiene is not practiced.
- Children: As kids become more active, they are susceptible to two types of traumatic tooth loss – premature loss of a baby tooth or loss of a permanent tooth due to injury or neglect. Children should wear protective mouth guards when playing sports, and parents should consult a dentist immediately in the case of an injury.
- Adults: Most people do not know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults, but lately, recurrent decay around old crowns and bridges are seen to lead to loss of those important teeth. Tooth loss is also linked to smoking, heart disease and diabetes.
- Seniors: As people age, and manual dexterity decreases, plaque accumulates and becomes harder to eliminate. Gum recession, decay around older fillings and dry mouth, secondary to medications taken, put seniors at a higher risk of losing their natural teeth.
Fortunately, modern dentistry can now replace teeth permanently with dental implants. These implants replace the roots of teeth and can serve as anchors for individual crowns as well as anchors for bridges and even dentures. One huge advantage with dental implants is that YOU CAN’T GET A CAVITY IN AN IMPLANT, and the implant will preserve the jaw bone as well.
The doctors and staff of the Granby Dental Center invite you to see all of the new and exciting advances in modern dentistry at our office. Lasers can eliminate the need for injections and the sound of the drill! CEREC CAD-CAM technology allows us to make crowns in just one visit without the impressions or temporaries! Computerized Dental Radiography allows us to lower radiation doses to our patients by 50-90%! INVISALIGN lets you straighten your teeth without braces—we are your Invisalign connection!
If you have a question you would like answered, or would like a tour of our modern office to view our sterilization procedures and to meet our friendly, caring staff, please contact us today.
