What Causes Tooth Loss?

A lot of work goes into maintaining a smile that is strong, healthy, and beautiful. But it is difficult to prevent oral health complications, such as tooth loss, if you don’t know what causes them. At his dental practice, Dr. Roni S. Berbari teaches patients about the biggest threats to the health and structure of the teeth. Dr. Berbari also offers a full range of restorative dentistry treatments to repair dental damage and restore the integrity of the teeth. By understanding the most common causes of tooth loss, our Montreal, QC patients can preserve a full, functional, attractive smile.

Causes of Tooth Loss

There are many factors that pose a risk to the overall health and strength of the teeth. With proper care and precaution, most patients can maintain good oral health and preserve a complete smile despite these threats. However, if patients don’t understand the causes of tooth loss, they will not be prepared to provide the care that is needed to protect the teeth. Dr. Berbari educates patients on the most common causes of tooth loss and how they can be prevented:

• Advanced tooth decay: Bacteria are always present in the mouth. With good oral hygiene habits, these bacteria can be kept to a minimum. However, if oral care is neglected, bacteria will multiply and, eventually, mineralize on the teeth in the form of tartar. Tartar and plaque eat away at tooth enamel and weaken tooth structure. Without proper treatment, tooth decay can become so advanced that it leads to tooth loss. Dr. Berbari offers patients a full range of treatments for dental decay to restore tooth structure before loss occurs, including fillings, inlays and onlays, and dental crowns.
• Root canal infection: Decay wears down a tooth’s outer layer of enamel and makes it easier for bacteria to reach the nerves at the center of the tooth. When these tissues become inflamed, it may cause a root canal infection. A root canal infection will continue to progress without treatment. Eventually, this type of infection can destroy the nerves and roots of a tooth and lead to tooth loss. The most appropriate treatment is root canal therapy.
• Gum disease: Gum disease is a type of infection that affects the gum tissue. As with a root canal infection, this condition can develop when bacteria reach these delicate tissues. Inflammation of the gums can easily be treated with a deep cleaning or periodontal treatments, but without these services, gum disease will only worsen. As gum disease progresses, the bone and tissues that support the teeth can be destroyed, increasing the risk of tooth loss.
• Trauma: Traumatic tooth loss is often the result of an injury, such as a fall or blow to the head. One of the most common causes of traumatic tooth loss is a sports injury. To minimize the risk of an oral injury or tooth loss due to sport accidents, patients can wear a custom mouth guard. These protective pieces sit comfortably over the teeth and absorb the shock of an injury to minimize oral damage.

Schedule an Appointment

At Montreal Smiles, we care about the health and beauty of your smile. To learn more about the comprehensive range of dental services we offer, schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.