The Problem With Tooth Loss & How To Prevent It [BLOG]

Recent studies have revealed two astonishing statistics about dental health among American adults.

The first is that almost 178 million people are missing a tooth.

The second is that nearly 35 million of us are missing all of our teeth!

While there is certainly comfort in the fact that replacing missing teeth is more advanced and effective than ever before, it still raises some questions about why any adult would have to deal with this oral health problem.

Our team at Mark W. Wilhelm have a few ideas as to why this is, and today, we’re looking at a couple of them.

The mission among our caring dental staff in Woodbury, MN is to make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy for your entire life. To do that, we need to arm you with the facts about tooth loss, and ultimately, do all we can to help you prevent it!

Understand How The Threat Of Tooth Loss Begins

The prevalence of adult tooth loss is heartbreaking.

Part of the reason for that is because it can so easily be avoided!

When you have a better understanding of how the destructive process of tooth loss begins, you’re better able to prevent it.

That’s why our team at Mark W. Wilhelm is dedicated to giving you the best information so you can make smart decisions for your oral health and your smile.

We’re taking a look at two of the main problems that are common catalysts for that dangerous ripple effect of consequences that ultimately end in adult tooth loss.

*The Problem With Poor Oral Hygiene*

The leading cause of tooth loss is gum disease.

So let’s talk about one of the biggest contributing factors to developing gum disease!

It’s poor oral hygiene.

Now, you might assume that because you brush your teeth everyday, then you’re not at risk. But that’s not the case.

The reason for that is because gum disease risks come from a number of possible factors such as family history, medical conditions, nutrition, stress, and all sorts of other issues.

But of course, lack of oral hygiene will only increase any risk you may already have.

So let’s look at what it means to properly clean your teeth and gums.

Every single day, you should be spending about five minutes on your oral care routine.

-Brush your teeth twice a day, each time for two minutes.

-Floss once a day, which takes about a minute.

That’s it! That’s all it takes!

That’s because you’ll be cleaning your mouth of tiny food particles and sugary residue that bacteria rely on as an energy source. Dislodging bits of food from between your teeth with dental floss and cleaning your teeth of residue will starve the bacteria in your mouth so it can’t grow and damage your teeth and gums.

Poor oral hygiene is a serious threat to your oral health, but it has a very simple solution!

*The Problem With Dental Fear*

There is one probable cause of tooth loss that is entirely preventable.

It’s dental fear.

We’re not talking about the slight nerves you feel when you arrive at the dentist office. We’re talking about the crippling anxiety that makes it almost impossible for you to go to the dentist at all.

It’s this level of fear that can easily lead to poor oral health. Gum disease, for example, can only be detected and treated by a professional.

So if you’re skipping routine dental cleanings and exams, you’re at risk!

Only a hygienist can remove tartar buildup that would otherwise lead to tooth loss.

And only a dentist can give you a thorough exam that would help detect early signs of gum disease and treat it right away.

Without those routine checks by a professional, you can’t protect yourself against tooth loss that stems from poor gum health.

The good news here is that we offer sedation dentistry to help you build confidence about coming to the dentist for routine care.

You’d be amazed at how this one simple decision to try the right method of sedation can improve your chances for a lifetime of good oral health.

You can’t prevent tooth loss without our help. Sedation dentistry can help you accept the dental treatment you need to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy.

Schedule An Appointment

Preventing tooth loss demands a united front between you and your dentist.

Dr. Wilhelm and our highly-skilled staff are ready to stand with you to fight gum disease and other threats to your oral health. With regular visits to our Woodbury, MN dental office for cleanings and exams, we’re able to catch problems early so they don’t lead to tooth loss later on.

We can even reconstruct your smile if you’ve already been a victim of tooth loss thanks to our dental implant options.

The other part of the prevention equation is with your commitment to a healthy lifestyle and good oral hygiene at home.

Together, we can win for your oral health and your smile!

Call Mark W. Wilhelm, DMD today at (651) 319-9064 to schedule an appointment at our Woodbury, MN dental office. You can also request an appointment using our online form.

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