Common Causes of Tooth Loss in Adults, and How to Prevent It

Did you know that one-quarter of adults over the age of 65 have 8 or fewer teeth? Tooth loss in adults is terrifyingly common — especially since it’s preventable. 

As you age it’s important to look after your oral health to prevent tooth loss. Keep reading for the most common causes of tooth loss and how to prevent them. 

Tooth Decay 

Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. As you age, your tooth enamel gets worn down by mouth acids. This happens naturally over time, but your lifestyle habits can either slow down or worsen the process. 

While some tooth decay is normal, you need to take steps to avoid bacterial infections that would destroy teeth beyond repair. 

Avoid excessive tooth decay by maintaining a consistent and adequate oral hygiene routine. Regular trips to the dentist, at least twice a year, are paramount. 

Periodontal Disease 

Periodontal disease is an infection of gum tissue that can lead to Edentulism (tooth loss). This is common in older people, especially those with a genetic predisposition.

The infection causes bone and gum loss which loosens teeth. Periodontal disease, even when genetic, can be prevented by maintaining oral health. 

Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day to prevent periodontal disease.

If you suffer from periodontal disease, you can get all-on-4 dental implants to replace missing teeth. 

Poor Diet  

Your diet has a direct and significant effect on your oral health. The main culprit for severe tooth decay is sugar. The infection-causing bacteria in the mouth feed off sugar to create acids that cause infections. 

If you have a sugary diet and regularly eat and drink consumables that are high in sugar, this will eventually lead to irreparable tooth decay. 

Reduce your sugar intake and increase your intake of low-sugar food and beverages to prevent this from happening. 

Harmful Habits 

There are two harmful habits that have disastrous effects on teeth over time — teeth grinding and smoking. 

Regularly grinding your teeth, especially when sleeping, slowly wears teeth down. This causes teeth to loosen and, in the worst cases, to fall out. 

Visit a dentist for an examination to see whether there are signs of teeth grinding. You may have to wear a mouth guard or mouth splint at night to prevent damage. 

Smoking is another very common cause of tooth loss. Smoking causes periodontal disease and masks bleeding gums, hiding signs of infection. This means that smokers don’t even know they have an infection until it’s too late. 

Quitting the habit as soon as possible will prevent a lot of oral health problems. 

Avoiding Tooth Loss in Adults Starts Today

Tooth loss in adults shouldn’t be as common as it is. You have the ability to prevent tooth decay and infections by quitting unhealthy habits and maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine. 

Are you looking for more tips on living a healthy life? Our site is packed with content to help you feel your best — check it out!