Posted on November 13, 2023
Your teeth are more than just the components of a beautiful smile; they work together to play essential roles in everyday life. While the importance of tooth and gum health is stressed at a young age, it is easy to overlook the vital functionality of teeth until you or someone you love is facing the challenges of tooth loss. According to research from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, adults over the age of have some chance of tooth loss, which increases yearly. There are many modern solutions to help replace missing teeth, including high-quality, surgical-grade dental implants in Oshawa. To get ahead of your gum health and mitigate the chances of tooth loss, book a consultation with Dr. Adam Ohayon, a trusted periodontist in Oshawa, at The Perio Centre. Our team specializes in various periodontal treatments, including gum grafting, periodontal hygiene treatments, dental implants, and much more.
To explore the leading causes of tooth loss and tips on how to preserve your smile, read
on.
Gum Disease & Poor Oral Health
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a major contributor to early tooth loss. Starting with the onset of gingivitis, which can be identified by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. If left untreated or undiagnosed, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, at which point the supporting structures of the teeth are affected. As gum disease progresses, it leads to gum recessions and tooth root exposure, ultimately resulting in tooth loss. To manage gum disease, it's important that you stay up to date with your oral hygiene routine by visiting your dentist for professional scaling and plaque removal. At The Perio Centre, you can treat gum recession and additional symptoms of gum disease with gum grafting and other treatments offered by our experienced team of periodontal professionals. Based on a comprehensive, our periodontist in Oshawa will devise a custom plan to help you retain your healthy smile.
Smoking & Tobacco Use
Consuming tobacco products dramatically increases the risk of early tooth loss. Tobacco interferes with the normal function of gum tissue cells, weakening them and making the gums more susceptible to infection. Additionally, tobacco smoking inhibits blood flow to the gums, impeding the body's ability to heal and fight off diseases. Quitting smoking is crucial for preventing early tooth loss and overall health. Seek support from friends, family, or programs to help you successfully kick the habit and improve your oral health. If you smoke frequently and notice changes in your gums or teeth, schedule a consultation with our team at The Perio Centre for oral screening. While treatments are available to stop tooth loss progression, there is a solution if losing your teeth cannot be avoided. You can replace them with durable, long-lasting crowns and dental implants in Oshawa, a tooth alternative that mimics the function and feel of natural teeth.
Bruxism or Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, or bruxism is a common affliction that accelerates tooth wear and leads to early tooth loss. It most often occurs during sleep, making individuals unaware of the damage they're causing. Stress and misaligned teeth are often contributing factors. Signs that you may be grinding teeth include headaches, facial or jaw pain, abraded teeth, and tooth sensitivity. To manage bruxism, use a custom-fitted mouthguard at night to protect your teeth from grinding. Additionally, stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation or counseling, can help alleviate the underlying causes of bruxism.
Trauma and Accidents
Physical accidents, such as sports injuries or other unexpected incidents, can result in a tooth being knocked out. While trauma or accidents are not medical conditions, protecting your teeth during high-contact situations or sports is key to keeping your smile intact. In case of an injury that results in tooth loss, contact a periodontist near you to assess the damage. If necessary, you can get many years out of dental implants in Oshawa.
Diabetes
It is estimated that over 5.7 million Canadians are living with some form of diabetes. Unfortunately, this condition has several side effects, including gum disease and tooth loss. The best way to slow diabetes's effect on your teeth is by regularly managing your blood sugar through diet and medication.
The Solution to Tooth Loss
With treatments like gum grafting with an experienced periodontist in Oshawa, you can extend the lifespan of your smile. But if you're already challenged by missing teeth, there is still a way for you to restore your smile and its functionality with dental implants. Dr. Adam Ohayon and The Perio Centre team specialize in dental implants in Oshawa. With the support of experienced medical professionals and cutting-edge industry technology, our team will provide a custom plan to get your smile back.