Losing teeth can happen to anyone, but it is especially likely to happen to people as they age. It can damage your oral health, and how you feel about your appearance. But don’t worry! Cosmetic dentists, especially Dr. Cast, have many answers for your missing teeth concerns.
The Oral Health Concerns from a Missing Tooth
We understand that missing teeth cause great distress when you look in the mirror and can cause you to hide your smile.
But if a missing tooth is not solved quickly, you might start noticing other issues too, such as:
- Jawbone pain
- Infection in the gap your tooth left
- Facial sagging
- Tooth decay on surrounding teeth
- Teeth shifting into the gap
Underneath the surface of your gums, serious issues happen when you lose a tooth. Your jawbone density begins to diminish, and your smile may become crooked as it tries to fill the gap. Infections are more likely to occur as well.
Preserving Your Oral Health with Tooth Replacements
We have several methods for restoring your oral health after you lose a tooth. Our first recommendation may be a dental implant. Dental implants support both your jawbone health and permanently fix the gap in your smile.
We may also recommend a dental bridge that will fill the cosmetic gap in your smile and prevent your teeth from shifting. If your teeth shift, a crooked smile is more than a cosmetic issue. It wears down your teeth and can cause toothaches and jaw aches.
If you are missing many teeth, dentures can restore an entire arch of teeth while protecting your gums. We even offer implant-supported dentures that can restore the health of your jawline.
How to Prevent Loose Teeth
Preventing loose teeth is an essential part of oral health, especially as you age. But how do you do it? Once you are past the age of 60, we recommend coming to visit the dentist more often than every 6 months. This ensures that Dr. Cast can aid you in the prevention of diseases and oral health issues that might cause loose teeth or teeth that fall out. A regular checkup is essential to maintaining your oral health.
Make sure that you have set oral health habits, such as brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. These will help your teeth remain healthy even as they gain years. You can also add a mouthwash to your routine. If you want a recommendation for a mouthwash that addresses your specific oral health concerns, you can always ask Dr. Cast over the phone or at your next appointment.
Preventing Gum Disease Can Prevent Tooth Loss
If you have:
- Irritation in your gums
- Consistent gum bleeding
- Swelling around your teeth
- Consistent bad breath
You might have gingivitis or the beginnings of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is one of the main culprits of tooth loss. It is a serious concern that should be nipped in the bud quickly.
People above the age of 65 are much more likely to have some form of gum disease, which is one of the reasons older people can suffer from tooth loss too.
Preventing oral health mishaps in the first place can help prevent further issues.
Learn More About Saving Your Smile’s Oral Health
Dr. Cast from Evolution Dental is here for you. He can help you learn about preserving your teeth and replacing teeth that you may have lost. His highest priority is your oral health, whether that be restoring it or maintaining it.
We understand how age can change your smile. We will have recommendations to help you keep your smile shining its brightest. You can call us to learn more about our restorative options and how they can help your oral health.