With advancements in modern dental treatments, tooth loss is no longer something you should expect as you get older The loss of permanent teeth is something that many people fear, especially as they begin to age. Although modern dental treatments and preventive care allow you to maintain healthy teeth and gums even as you reach old age, many people still believe that tooth loss in inevitable. This is simply not the case! There is a wide range of bad habits that may contribute to the loss of your permanent teeth; however, here are five of the most common reasons for preventable tooth loss! 1. Poor oral hygiene Poor oral hygiene is the most common reason we see tooth loss and oral health problems among patients. Preventive care through an effective at-home oral health routine is the easiest and most affordable way to maintain healthy teeth for life, but it’s often the most overlooked. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing at least once a day is incredibly important if you want to retain your teeth for life. Rinsing your mouth regularly with an anti-bacterial mouthwash will also help to ensure your teeth and gums are free from any harmful bacteria that may build up over time. Correct brushing technique is also very important to ensure you are reaching all surfaces of the teeth, and not promoting gum and enamel recession through a vigorous brushing stroke. If you feel that you are not able to brush effectively, the team at Smile Pro can provide advice on the correct technique for brushing. 2. Gum disease Harmful bacteria that accumulate on the teeth and gums can develop into plaque, which then hardens and leaves tartar. Plaque and tartar build up on your teeth can have a negative impact on the health of your gums. Gum disease is caused by an inappropriate immune response to virulent germs found in dental plaque that react with the gums. This causes destructive inflammation of the gums in which supporting bone and ligaments are lost, ultimately resulting in the loss of a tooth. 3. Irregular dental appointments Much like regularly servicing your car, visiting the dentist regularly for a check-up and clean will ensure your oral health remains in an optimal condition. Often people won’t visit the dentist on a regular basis due to their busy schedule, forgetfulness or maybe because they’re trying to save money. Some people will even completely avoid dental visits due to fear or anxiety. By scheduling a dental appointment every six months, your dentist can closely monitor your oral health and intervene if any issues arise, before they develop into more severe and costly problems down the track. 4. Grinding your teeth Most people who grind their teeth may not even notice they are doing it. Whether you’re doing it during your sleep or sub-consciously while you’re going about your day-to-day activities, tooth grinding can lead to a wide array of dental problems. Grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel and lead to tooth decay, eventually resulting in tooth loss if not treated. It is important that you visit the dentist regularly to have your teeth assessed for grinding and treated accordingly. 5. Untreated cavities Bacteria often cause decay to appear in the form of cavities when the teeth haven’t been cleaned effectively. If this decay reaches the root of the tooth, the structural integrity of the tooth suffers and may become loose or even need to be extracted. Preventing tooth loss at Smile Pro Dr Darryl and Francesca Beresford at Smile Pro in Mermaid Waters provide a wide range of treatments and preventive care to help you retain your teeth and keep them healthy as you age. If you have experienced tooth loss or have one or more badly decayed teeth, Dr Darryl Beresford can help restore the natural appearance and function. As an experienced specialist prosthodontist, Dr Beresford prides himself in offering high quality prosthodontic treatments, complimented by exceptional patient outcomes. If you are looking for a way to restore the form and function of your oral health, book an appointment with the experienced team at Smile Pro today! Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn.