When decay bacteria break through the enamel, the tooth is gradually destroyed. In that case we speak of a decay infection. If the infection is recognised in time, the chances of successful treatment are quite good and the damage is covered by a filling. With a far advanced infection, however, the tooth is in most cases irretrievably lost. Fortunately, tooth loss caused by decay can easily be prevented through appropriate oral hygiene.
Take inflamed gums seriously
When the gum is affected by a bacterial inflammation, we speak of periodontitis. If simple inflamed gums, or gingivitis, go untreated for too long, periodontitis develops from them. Periodontitis ignored for too long spreads to the jawbone, which can loosen the teeth and lead to their loss. While before the age of 40 decay is the most common cause of tooth loss, in the group over 40 periodontitis is the most frequent reason.
Less well-known causes of tooth loss
Frequent tobacco use
An indirect cause of tooth loss is regular tobacco use. The risk doubles at a consumption of just six cigarettes a day. Nicotine lowers the blood supply to the gums and the oral lining and narrows the vessels. Through this narrowing, pathogens such as periodontitis bacteria can penetrate the gum more easily. Smoking also delays wound healing, which is hardly helpful with gum disease.
Diabetes
Another cause can be diabetes, which in turn can encourage a condition such as periodontitis. Dental health is closely connected with general health. People with diabetes have a four times higher risk of developing periodontitis, and many also suffer from impaired wound healing.
Stress can be among the causes too
Grinding the teeth at night is often traceable to a long-lasting stressful situation. The pressure this creates damages the teeth over time. Grinding often makes itself known through a crack or a broken-off piece of tooth. In the worst case it leads to tooth loss.
Frequent vomiting
Frequent vomiting — in people with bulimia, for example — is among the rare but nonetheless relevant causes. The stomach acid in vomit attacks the enamel and paves the way for decay bacteria into the sensitive interior of the tooth.
Medication as a cause later in life
Some medicines lead, under long-term therapy, to the formation of necrosis in the jaw. This causes the jawbone to break down and the teeth lose their hold. When taking bisphosphonate and denosumab medication it is therefore very important to consult your dentist and have your mouth checked.
What can you do yourself when teeth are falling out?
Unfortunately, once teeth are falling out there is not much to be done. Implants or bridges can only close the resulting gaps afterwards. Prevention is always better than cure, at least as far as circumstances allow. Conscientious dental care is still the best strategy, since decay and periodontitis are among the main causes of tooth loss.
- Brush your teeth regularly and thoroughly
- Keep to check-up appointments every six months
- Reach more often for tooth-friendly food and avoid sugary and acidic items
Tooth loss is not only an aesthetic problem
A gap in the smile is certainly very unpleasant for the person affected. But tooth loss has consequences for the whole body. The jawbone breaks down if the gap is not closed in time. Missing teeth also lead to an imbalance in the bite, which transfers from the jaw muscles to the head, neck and shoulder muscles, causing unpleasant pain and tension. In the most extreme cases a slipped disc results, because the person adopts too strong a protective posture. So please look after your teeth well, and when in doubt go to the dentist once too often rather than once too seldom. Do not hesitate to seek treatment for gaps or broken teeth — for the sake of your general health.
