Adult Tooth Loss Is Common: Here's How to Avoid It

Tooth loss isn't just a smile buster; it's a whole-health problem that affects everything from your teeth and gums to your ability to digest nutrients. It's estimated that one-quarter of adults over 65 have eight or fewer teeth, which is considered severe tooth loss.

Worse, many cases of tooth loss could have been prevented. And that's where we come in. 

Dr. Ryan Fait at Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry, located in Long Beach and Avalon, California, has years of experience helping people recover from tooth loss, and he's also dedicated to helping his patients avoid it altogether. 

Here, our team highlights steps to take to reduce your risk of tooth loss.

Don't neglect the basics

Brush and floss twice daily — if you've heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times. But the old adage remains the best advice any dentist can give you. That's because the snowball effect of poor oral hygiene, cavities, and gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. 

Maintaining a consistent and diligent dental hygiene routine is one of the best ways to safeguard oral health. 

Do your best to brush and rinse your mouth after eating and drinking, especially if you consume something sugary or acidic. Letting those substances sit on your teeth for too long increases your risk of cavities. 

Make some diet adjustments

Speaking of sugary foods, it's best to avoid them if you want to protect your teeth. The byproducts from sugar pose significant threats to your oral health. You don't have to remove them completely from your diet, but it is a good idea to consume them in moderation.

Invest in a nightguard

Teeth grinding and clenching are other common causes of tooth loss. So, if you grind, we may recommend wearing a nightguard to reduce the risk of damage to your teeth. 

Try a mouthwash

Flushing your mouth with mouthwash is a great companion to your floss and toothbrush and an excellent way to ensure you eliminate as much bacteria, debris, and buildup in your teeth as possible. If you need help determining which mouthwash is best, talk to us, and we’ll offer suggestions. 

Don't be a stranger

In addition to brushing and flossing twice daily, we recommend visiting us at least twice a year. Even if you think you've perfected your dental hygiene routine, there's no substitute for a professional cleaning from Dr. Fait and our team. 

We also check for signs of decay and gum disease to reduce your risk of tooth loss.

Kick the habit

You may have heard that nicotine and chemicals in tobacco products stain your teeth, but they can also lead to gum disease. Gum disease, if left unchecked, can quickly deteriorate into tooth loss. You can significantly reduce your risk of losing teeth if you quit smoking or chewing tobacco. 

Need more information about how to support your oral health? Skipped a couple of appointments and need to get caught up? We'd love to see you for a check-up and cleaning. Call our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment at either our Long Beach or Avalon, California, offices today.