Four Common Reasons a Tooth Might Fall Out

Tooth loss can be an embarrassing thing to live with. Many people think they are the only people to lose teeth. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 69 percent of adults aged 35 to 44 years old have lost at least one tooth. By the time people in the United States reach the age of 50, they have lost, on average, 12 teeth over their lifetime. If you have lost a tooth or more, you may be curious what causes it. Here are four common reasons why a tooth may fall out and how dental implants can help.

Periodontal Disease

The most common reason for tooth loss is periodontal disease, also called gum disease or gingivitis. Routine teeth cleanings help to remove plaque that builds up on and around your teeth. Routine flossing also helps to remove germs and bacteria that hides in these pockets. Unfortunately, if you don’t properly care for their teeth, floss consistently, or visit the dentist regularly are more susceptible to developing periodontal disease. It causes your gums to bleed, inflammation, and receding of the gums. Because your gums hold your teeth in place, your teeth can become loose and can fall out as they recede.

Cavities and Tooth Decay

Your tooth could fall out from cavities and tooth decay. When you have a cavity, it can introduce bacteria to the root of the tooth. The root becomes infected, causing the tooth to die and fall out — if left untreated. Alternatively, a cavity is not filled, it can eat away at the tooth, causing severe tooth decay. While a tooth may not fall out right away, the decay may eventually get to a point where the tooth breaks off. This can happen when you eat, creating a gap where your tooth once sat. Routine dental visits helps you catch cavities when they are small. Getting them filled helps prevent your tooth decay and loss.

Accidents in Your Mouth

You can’t always keep a tooth from falling out, especially accidents you have no control over. Sports players and fighters commonly have a tooth that is knocked loose or completely knocked out. This happens from punches to the face or objects colliding with their face during the course of the match. Those who have been involved in car accidents in which their face was impacted may also have tooth loss. Finally, sometimes you simply fall at the wrong angle and a tooth gets knocked out in the process. When this happens, contact your emergency dentist in Mesa as quickly as possible. In some cases, a knocked out tooth may be able to be saved.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions, medical treatments and medications affect your teeth and make them more susceptible to breaking or falling out. Patients with diabetes, hypertension or arthritis are more likely to experience tooth loss than others. Radiation, a treatment often used to fight cancer, can lead to tooth decay. It can damage teeth so severely that they fall out or need to be pulled. Vomiting, a symptom of many medical conditions and side effect of many medications, can also damage your teeth. This increases the chances of losing a tooth.

Replace Your Lost Tooth with Dental Implants

So many things can happen to cause a tooth to fall out. But one procedure gives you back a beautiful, healthy smile — dental implants. You can replace your missing tooth permanently with an implant that matches the rest of your teeth. No one will ever know it’s not the original. And if you have several missing teeth, implants can replace them all. A screw is implanted in your jaw bone, and an abutment is placed on top. Your new tooth fits securely over the top. Once in place, you can chew, brush your teeth, and eat all the foods you can with a natural tooth.

Conclusion

Tooth loss is fairly common and nothing that you should feel ashamed about. Thankfully, there’s plenty you can do about your missing tooth. Here at Dental Brothers, we are pleased to offer dental implants in Mesa and Phoenix. Call us today to schedule a consultation and learn more.