How can I Prevent Tooth Loss?

Prevent Periodontal Disease

Our Louisville family dentists explain that periodontal disease increases the risk of breaking periodontal attachments that keep your teeth in place and healthy. Unfortunately, when you have excessive bacteria in your mouth, it can create an automatic inflammatory response that damages the periodontal ligaments and surrounding gum tissue. As your teeth loosen, the periodontal pockets grow, and damaged ligaments break and cause tooth loss. Periodontal disease prevention begins with following your dentist’s oral hygiene instructions and regularly visiting our office for checkups and cleanings twice a year.

Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the second most common cause of tooth loss. Failing to care for your teeth and gums properly can allow bacteria to run rampant and cause damage to your tooth enamel. Our experienced dentists in Jeffersonville explain that when decay overwhelms the tooth and begins to affect surrounding bone structures, an extraction may be necessary instead of a root canal. Therefore, paying attention to cavities when you notice them is crucial, and seeking immediate treatment to prevent the cavity from penetrating your tooth enamel. Once the cavity begins, it’s only a matter of time before the bacteria access the sensitive pulp area without proper treatment. In the meantime, avoid acidic and sugar-filled foods and beverages that can cause your tooth enamel to weaken and speed up decay.

Control Bruxism

Bruxism is an oral health condition where patients clench and grind their teeth while asleep. The unconscious habit can cause immense stress on your teeth and jaw, sometimes resulting in tooth or jaw pain and loose periodontal ligaments. Bruxism can lead to severely worn back teeth. Bite misalignment, stress, or a combination of both could be responsible for the condition. Fortunately, our dental team can protect your smile from bruxism effects by correcting your bite with orthodontic treatment, prescribing stress reduction exercises, and creating a custom mouthguard to wear while sleeping to absorb intense pressures, reduce jaw stress, and protect your pearly whites.

Wear a Mouthguard When Playing Sports

The most obvious tooth loss method is through accidental blows to the mouth, jaw, or face. Unfortunately, traumatic injury isn’t limited to sports and can strike as a result of a fight, workplace incident, or vehicle accident. However, most sports-related tooth loss cases occur when the person participates in football, mixed martial arts, boxing, or wrestling. Our Shepherdsville family dentists explain that upon impact, a tooth can fracture and expose the delicate roots. In many cases, the tooth and gums can suffer damage that’s beyond repair or restoration, even if the tooth doesn’t come out during the incident. Therefore, we highly recommend patients request a custom-made mouthguard to provide optimal protection against sports accidents.  

Family Dentists in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and Louisville and Shepherdsville, Kentucky

It can be disheartening when you lose a tooth, especially when it’s in a prominent area like the front of your mouth. Even though there are effective tooth replacement options available, preventing loss with exceptional oral care habits can reward you far beyond restorative solutions. Therefore, take care of your smile daily and protect it from tooth loss dangers. If you would like to learn more about tooth loss prevention or want to schedule an appointment for a checkup or cleaning at our Louisville family dental office, please call Exceptional Dentistry at (502) 423-7868 or contact us online to request an appointment.