Tooth loss is one of the biggest problems that older adults face. But it doesn’t have to be a problem if you watch out for the signs and prevent tooth loss before it happens. In this post, we’ll look at some common causes of tooth loss in seniors and how you can stop them from happening.
Dental Diseases
It’s important to note that not all tooth loss is preventable. Some cases are caused by diseases, such as periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. If you have family members with this condition or notice symptoms in yourself (like bleeding gums), talk with your dentist immediately. Other conditions are caused by trauma or injury to the tooth, such as chipped enamel or cracks in the dentin (the layer below your enamel).
Tooth loss due to disease is usually progressive – it happens slowly over time. It is only sometimes possible for a dentist to predict how much time you have left with your teeth.
Improper Diet
Another cause of tooth loss among the elderly is improper diet. It’s not just a matter of eating certain foods or avoiding certain types of food, but rather how often you eat those foods and what quantities you consume in one sitting. For example, if you’re someone who drinks soda or other carbonated beverages on a daily basis, it’s likely that over time this can lead to tooth decay and even erosion (when the enamel wears away). If you’re someone who regularly eats large quantities of sweets such as chocolate bars or cookies throughout the day – especially in between meals – this too may contribute towards poor oral health because sugar acts as an acid in your mouth, which causes damage to teeth when left unchecked for long periods.
Inadequate Dental Hygiene
Inadequate dental hygiene is one of the main causes of tooth loss among elderly people. When you don’t brush your teeth regularly, food particles and plaque can build up on them. This leads to gum inflammation and periodontitis, which damages your gums and eventually causes them to pull away from your teeth. If not treated quickly enough, this may also lead to tooth loss.
In addition to brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush (and flossing once daily), consider using an antibacterial mouthwash like Listerine twice per day as well – especially after eating sugary or starchy foods such as cookies or pasta salad that tend to stick around in our mouths longer than we’d like them to.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is another common cause of tooth loss among older adults. When bacteria in your mouth combine with sugars and other foods, they produce acids that can eat away your teeth’s enamel and make them more likely to fracture or break. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, you’re at an even higher risk for developing cavities because both conditions can increase your chances of having poor oral hygiene.
To Prevent Tooth Loss, You Should:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with an electric or manual toothbrush. The best time is in the morning before breakfast and at night before going to bed.
- Floss daily to remove food particles from between your teeth where the bristles of a manual or electric toothbrush cannot reach. It’s also important to use floss for this purpose (if necessary).
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings, oral exams, and x-rays.
