Remember getting excited as a kid about the Tooth Fairy coming to visit? The surprise left under your pillow made losing a tooth worth it! During childhood, losing a tooth is a normal thing…when it is on the verge of being replaced by a permanent tooth erupting underneath it. But losing a tooth–or teeth–when you’re an adult is concerning and could be a sign of more sinister systemic issues.
The loss of an adult tooth can be caused by many things, and depending on the reason, there may be a connection to other diseases your body could be suffering from…without you even being aware of it.
3 Common Causes of Tooth Loss
- Cavities, also called tooth decay, result from a slow-forming bacteria growing on a tooth or teeth that erode the enamel until it leaves a hole (or carious lesion). The next thing you know, you’re in pain, in need of an expensive root canal, or the tooth needs to be extracted. Most cavities begin when you eat foods containing sugar and don’t brush thoroughly or properly.
- Periodontal Disease, commonly referred to as gum disease, is an infection and inflammation of the gums. When left untreated, the disease destroys gum tissue and the bone necessary to support teeth, which won’t only result in sensitivity and a pungent mouth odor, but potentially mobile teeth and subsequently the loss of them. Periodontal disease can have an effect on your entire body, and put you at risk for developing serious health conditions or worsen existing medical issues.
- Accident – An uncontrollable yet common cause of tooth loss is accidental physical injury. It can happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone…with bad luck…and the risk increases when people use their teeth to open lids, tear tags, or bite into something hard. Participating in sports poses another risk, specifically those who do so without using a mouthguard. Yes, some things are out of our control, but some accidents can be avoided by taking precautions to protect your teeth.
Diseases That May Be Connected To Tooth Loss
It has long been known that good oral health is connected to good overall health.
The human body is comprised of a complex system interconnected with other parts. Because of the way our bodies are made, one area can have an impact on others and their functions. Your mouth mirrors the condition of your body as a whole and is a window into one’s overall health.
Research shows that more than 90% of all systemic diseases (diseases involving many organs or the whole body) have oral manifestations, including swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth, excessive gum problems and tooth loss.
If you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, poor oral hygiene can actually lead to other health problems, including:
- HEART DISEASE: According to research by Tulane University, tooth loss in middle age is tied to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, independent of traditional risk factors such as high blood pressure, poor diet, and diabetes.
- STROKE: There is a growing link between gum disease and the risk of stroke. Tooth loss may increase the risk of stroke by as much as 74%, compared with those who have a healthy mouthful of teeth.
- DIABETES: Because gum disease is a common complication of diabetes, diabetics are twice as likely to suffer from tooth loss than healthy adults.
- ORAL CANCER: Oral cancer can develop in most parts of the mouth, including the lips, gums and occasionally the throat. One symptom of oral cancer is a tooth, or teeth, that becomes loose for no obvious reason, or a tooth socket that doesn’t heal.
- LUNG CANCER: Researchers found that people with tooth loss were at a 54% greater chance of developing lung cancer. And if you have periodontal disease and diabetes, the risk for lung cancer jumps even higher.
- ADVERSE PREGNANCY OUTCOMES: Poor oral hygiene that leads to tooth loss and gum infections is a contributing factor in low birthweight pregnancies.
Losing your teeth may do more than just sacrifice your smile.
When they lose teeth, kids usually make money. But as an adult, you’ll pay alot to replace missing teeth…and you might not just suffer financially.
Tooth loss might not be a big deal to you–with 32 of them, we should have some to spare!? But if you’re losing teeth unrelated to an accident or trauma, you might have a serious underlying health issue.
Concerned about having lost one too many teeth? Call us at 703-689-2480 for a completely free evaluation! Regular dental visits can do more than prevent tooth loss – they can also tell us a lot about your overall health, including whether or not you may be at risk for chronic disease. When your mouth is healthy, chances are, your overall health is good, too!