Tooth Talk

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 harmful acids in the mouth, the more likely you are to develop 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 recurrent decay around old crowns and bridges can also lead to the 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 caused by medications 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, bridges, and even dentures. One huge advantage of dental implants is that you cannot get a cavity in an implant, and the implant helps preserve the jawbone as well.

The doctors and staff of Granby Dental Center invite you to experience 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 impressions or temporaries. Computerized dental radiography lowers radiation exposure by 50–90%! Invisalign lets you straighten your teeth without braces — we are your Invisalign connection!

If you have questions, would like a tour of our modern office to view our sterilization procedures, or want to meet our friendly, caring staff, please contact us today.