Surveys conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry have shown that 99.7 percent of all adults agree that an attractive smile is a valuable asset. Although that is true, it is important to note that having a healthy smile is also a matter of well being. While some people may only be concerned about their teeth for vanity reasons, the reality is missing teeth can indicate weakened health. Missing teeth can contribute to slews of physical and emotional issues, pending proper dental treatment for repair.
Common Reasons For Tooth Loss
For children, losing teeth is an important rite of passage as the process is necessary to naturally shed baby teeth leading to the imminent growth of permanent teeth. Generally, the process begins at the age of 6 and mature individuals who experience tooth loss or missing teeth should see their dentist stat as the process my be a symptom of a greater problem.
- Hypodontia: In some very rare cases, permanent teeth never appear and the condition can occur in relation to ovarian cancer, genetics, hormonal fluctuations, environmental causes or by infectious disease. The condition is marked when a patient is missing 6 teeth or less excluding the 3rd molars.
- Pregnancy: While pregnancy typically marks a joyous occasion, it causes significant changes in the female body and several of them are known for causing dental problems. Morning sickness will force stomach acid over teeth and weaken tooth enamel. Fatigue can cause an expectant mother to neglect her oral hygiene and increase the odds of developing cavities and gum disease. Pregnancy gingivitis is also a condition that can increase the odds of tooth loss and cavities.
- Knocked Out Tooth: Accidents can happen at any time and anywhere. A missing tooth may be one of the side effects of the chaos.
- Eating Disorders: Bulimia nervosa involves an individual repeatedly binging and purging their food. This process can deprive a person of vital nutrition essential to healthy teeth. Additionally, the vomiting (AKA purge) will cause tooth enamel deterioration courtesy of stomach acid being forced over teeth. The condition will not only promote tooth loss but tooth decay and tooth discoloration.
- Gum Disease: Periodontal disease is the leading cause of missing teeth for adults over age of 35. While some of the cases are simply caused by dental neglect, 30 percent of the population may have a genetic disposition for the condition (Journal of Clinical Periodontology).
Aging: Osteoporosis and aging go hand in hand. Changes in hormone levels associated with bone weakening can break the otherwise strong bond of teeth and jawbone.
Surveys conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry have shown that 99.7 percent of all adults agree that an attractive smile is a valuable asset. Although that is true, it is important to note that having a healthy smile is also a matter of well being. While some people may only be concerned about their teeth for vanity reasons, the reality is missing teeth can indicate weakened health. Missing teeth can contribute to slews of physical and emotional issues, pending proper dental treatment for repair.
Common Reasons For Tooth Loss
For children, losing teeth is an important rite of passage as the process is necessary to naturally shed baby teeth leading to the imminent growth of permanent teeth. Generally, the process begins at the age of 6 and mature individuals who experience tooth loss or missing teeth should see their dentist stat as the process my be a symptom of a greater problem.
- Hypodontia: In some very rare cases, permanent teeth never appear and the condition can occur in relation to ovarian cancer, genetics, hormonal fluctuations, environmental causes or by infectious disease. The condition is marked when a patient is missing 6 teeth or less excluding the 3rd molars.
- Pregnancy: While pregnancy typically marks a joyous occasion, it causes significant changes in the female body and several of them are known for causing dental problems. Morning sickness will force stomach acid over teeth and weaken tooth enamel. Fatigue can cause an expectant mother to neglect her oral hygiene and increase the odds of developing cavities and gum disease. Pregnancy gingivitis is also a condition that can increase the odds of tooth loss and cavities.
- Knocked Out Tooth: Accidents can happen at any time and anywhere. A missing tooth may be one of the side effects of the chaos.
- Eating Disorders: Bulimia nervosa involves an individual repeatedly binging and purging their food. This process can deprive a person of vital nutrition essential to healthy teeth. Additionally, the vomiting (AKA purge) will cause tooth enamel deterioration courtesy of stomach acid being forced over teeth. The condition will not only promote tooth loss but tooth decay and tooth discoloration.
- Gum Disease: Periodontal disease is the leading cause of missing teeth for adults over age of 35. While some of the cases are simply caused by dental neglect, 30 percent of the population may have a genetic disposition for the condition (Journal of Clinical Periodontology).
Aging: Osteoporosis and aging go hand in hand. Changes in hormone levels associated with bone weakening can break the otherwise strong bond of teeth and jawbone.