With today’s advanced dental techniques and technology, rebuilding your smile after suffering from tooth loss is simpler and more effective than it’s ever been. However, preventing tooth loss whenever possible is still preferable when it comes to preserving the long-term health and integrity of your smile. The good news is the most common causes of tooth loss, including gum disease, are highly preventable with the consistently good dental care and maintenance. If you do develop a dental health issue, you can still prevent it from causing tooth loss if you allow your dentist to treat your condition as soon as possible.

How Tooth Loss Happens

There are many common causes of tooth loss, such as accidental trauma that knocks a tooth out of its socket. Gum disease, however, is the most common cause. As the disease progresses through your gums, it erodes the tissues and jawbone structure that support your teeth. In severe cases, enough damage can be caused to your jawbone and gums that supporting all of your teeth is no longer possible. If you fail to prevent gum disease and hesitate to seek treatment for it, then you may be faced with inevitable tooth loss or extraction by the time you do visit your dentist.

Preventing It at Its Source

Along with avoiding tooth decay, preventing gum disease is one of the main goals of a consistently good hygiene routine and a regular schedule of general dental care. Both conditions can lead to tooth loss in their severe stages, and both develop from the accumulation of harmful oral bacteria (in the forms of plaque and tartar). Preventing gum disease, and thereby reducing your risks of tooth loss, requires controlling the buildup of oral bacteria by brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. This also requires regular visits with your dentist to remove calcified tartar and check for signs that gum disease may already be developing.

Learn More About Preventing Tooth Loss

To learn more, schedule a consultation with your dentist by calling Dr. Newman’s office today at 520-296-5439. We’re conveniently located inside the Grant Road Professional Plaza in Tucson, AZ, and proudly welcome the residents of all surrounding communities.